The Bible often describes God as “light” or associates light with God’s presence and glory. Understanding what it means that God is light can help us better comprehend God’s character and grow in our relationship with Him.
God is the Source of Light
Light is a fundamental part of God’s creation, and He is the original source of all light. Genesis 1:3 states, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” On the first day of creation, God called light into being. Just as nothing can exist physically without light, nothing can exist spiritually apart from the light of God’s presence. James 1:17 declares, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” God created light, and He continues to sustain it.
As the source of light, God is ultimately responsible for any illumination, revelation, or insight that humanity experiences. Psalm 36:9 says, “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.” All truth and understanding flow from God’s light. When we discover truth, we are simply perceiving the light that God already provides. Any glimpse of Him or His truth is only possible because of His gracious self-revelation to humanity through His Word and His Spirit.
God’s Glory and Presence are Light
The Scripture closely connects the presence of God with the imagery of light. 1 Timothy 6:16 praises God as “the one who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see.” The light that emanates from God’s very presence blazes too brilliantly for mortal eyes to behold. This imagery recalls Exodus 33-34 when Moses could not look at God’s glory directly and had to hide in the cleft of a rock to receive a diminished glimpse. The apostle John wrote that when he saw the risen Christ, “His face was like the sun shining in full strength” (Revelation 1:16).
When Scripture describes God as light, it points to His glory, splendor, and majesty. 1 John 1:5 says plainly, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” His presence dispels darkness and brings everything to light. Psalm 104:2 poetically portrays God as “wrapped in light as with a garment.” Light is intrinsic to who God is, woven into His very person. As Creator, all light derives from Him. And as the perfectly holy God, He is untainted by even the slightest hint of darkness.
God Gives Us His Illumination
While God’s brilliant glory overwhelms human limitations, He graciously gives illumination to His people. Through His Word and Spirit, God shares His light with believers. The psalmist rejoiced, “The Lord is my light and my salvation” (Psalm 27:1). God enlightens the eyes of our hearts by the gospel message (Ephesians 1:18). His Word acts like a lamp to guide us through life’s darkness (Psalm 119:105). The more we saturate ourselves in God’s truth, the more we reflect His marvelous light.
Followers of Christ actually become light bearers. Matthew 5:14-16 exhorts believers, “You are the light of the world…Let your light shine before others.” 1 Peter 2:9 further explains that the purpose of God’s people is to “proclaim the excellencies” of Christ as we reflect His light. The church corporately and individual Christians have the astounding privilege of continuing Christ’s mission as lights piercing the world’s darkness.
As we walk in fellowship with God, He continually transforms us to be more like Christ. We progress from “glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18), reflecting God’s Son more accurately. Being united with Jesus, who is the perfect image of God, enables believers to shine with God’s pure light. Our light comes totally from Him.
God Will Be Our Eternal Light
Not only does God give His illuminating light to us now, but we are also promised an eternity dwelling in His light. Revelation 22:5 describes the culmination of God’s redemption by stating that in the new creation, “They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light.” Just as God began creation by bringing light into existence, He will consummate new creation with the fullness of His light.
What a joy to anticipate eternity in the unveiled presence of infinite light! No shadows or darkness will exist in God’s presence—only the radiance of His glory and love (1 John 1:5). Augustine famously expressed that our hearts are restless until they find their ultimate rest in God. Similarly, our eyes will never tire of beholding the Beauty that illuminates everything.
The fact that God is light has profound implications both for our present lives and future hope. His light exposes and outs darkness, gives guidance and clarity, reveals truth, and fills all creation through Christ. By His grace, God allows us to share in His radiance. And one day, we will know the fullness of abiding in His light forever.