“Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (Ephesians 5:14, KJV).
It is not enough to perceive the loving-kindness of God or to see the benevolence and tender mercies of His character. Furthermore, it is also insufficient to discern the wisdom and justice of God’s law, which is founded upon steadfast love. The Apostle Paul, a disciple of Christ, recognized this distinction and stated, “I admit that the law is good” (Romans 7:16b). He declared, “The law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good” (Romans 7:12). However, he also acknowledged the anguish and despair of his soul, saying, “I am carnal, sold under sin” (Romans 7:14b).
Paul longed for the purity and righteousness he felt powerless to attain and cried out, “What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). In response, John gives a clear call to behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. How can a man be just with God? How can a sinner be made righteous? It is only through Christ that we can be brought into harmony with God and holiness, and He invites us to come through the way of repentance and faith.
The true Light, which lights every man who comes into the world (John 1:9), seeks to illuminate the secret chambers of the soul and reveal the hidden things of darkness. There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret that shall not come to light (Mark 4:22).
Jesus Christ and His finished work perfectly meet man’s need and desire for wisdom. Because of who he is and what he’s done, we have ready access to the Father’s wisdom, which is infinite. Do you have a burning question? Jesus is the answer. Are you in a tight predicament? Jesus is the solution. Are you in the dark? Jesus is the light. Now Jesus Christ, who was crucified, has become for sinners wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30), making us right with God and showing us how to live in a manner pleasing to God.
