Scripture in Action

Aneel Aranha is an author, preacher, and evangelist who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can find a huge selection of his reflections, articles, sermons, songs and other resources on his app.

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Scripture in Action

John 3:19-21 — Darkness & Light

July 17, 2023 • Aneel Aranha • Season 2 • Episode 24

0:00 | 3:06

Are we willing to confront the darkness within us and embrace the truth? Or do we want to cling to the shadows, allowing sin to have power over us? It is the choice we all have.

John 3:19-21 — Darkness & Light — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel with Aneel Aranha. Today we will reflect on John 3:19-21. Listen.

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Today's passage confronts us with the reality of human nature. Despite the presence of light, which symbolizes the truth, righteousness, and salvation found in Jesus Christ, many of us choose to embrace darkness, which represents ignorance, spiritual blindness, and a rejection of God's truth and ways.

Why would we choose darkness over light? The main reason is humanity's fallen nature and our inclination towards sin. We resist the light because it exposes our wrongdoing and calls for repentance and transformation. The darkness provides a cover, a refuge for those who wish to hide from the conviction and accountability that comes with living in the light.

However, the passage also highlights the power of the Gospel to change us. It states, "But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

When we choose to live by the truth, we invite the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. He helps us move out of the darkness into the light. Even though this might make us feel vulnerable, we will find the healing and restoration that God can give our souls. God's desire is for all to come to the light, to experience his grace, and to walk in the freedom that comes from a relationship with him.

So here is the question for us. Are we willing to confront the darkness within us and embrace the truth? Or do we want to cling to the shadows, allowing sin to have power over us? If we are brave enough to step into the light, not only will we allow God's light to shine upon us, we will be able to illuminate the path to eternal life and draw others to Christ.

God bless you.