The phrase “kingdom of darkness” appears in Colossians 1:13 which says, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” This verse refers to the spiritual transformation that happens when someone becomes a Christian – they leave behind the kingdom of darkness ruled by Satan, and enter the kingdom of light ruled by Jesus Christ.
To fully understand this verse, we need to examine some key questions:
What is meant by “domain of darkness”?
The “domain of darkness” refers to the realm that is under Satan’s dominion and influence. Several other passages refer to this concept:
– Ephesians 6:12 refers to “the cosmic powers over this present darkness” that believers struggle against.
– Acts 26:18 talks about opening people’s eyes “so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.”
– Colossians 1:13 says God “has delivered us from the power of darkness.”
So the domain or kingdom of darkness is the sphere of influence ruled by Satan and demonic forces that opposes God’s kingdom. Those living in darkness are blinded by sin and ignorance of God.
What does it mean to be transferred from the kingdom of darkness to light?
When someone becomes a Christian, Colossians 1:13 says they are “transferred” or conveyed from one kingdom to another – from Satan’s realm to God’s kingdom ruled by Christ.
Several key changes occur when this transfer happens:
– Their citizenship changes. They now belong to God’s kingdom rather than being a subject of Satan’s rule (Philippians 3:20).
– Their allegiance changes. They submit to and serve a new king – Jesus rather than Satan (Luke 6:46, Romans 6:16).
– Their lifestyle changes. No longer living in sinful ways, they now walk in righteousness in the light of Christ (Ephesians 5:8).
– Their perspective changes. Eyes opened to the truth of the gospel, unlike the blindness of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4).
– Their position changes. Formerly dead in sin, now alive in Christ and seated with Him in the heavens (Ephesians 2:4-6).
So a dramatic transfer takes place – those in darkness are powerfully transformed into people of light through faith in Jesus.
What does light represent in Scripture?
Light is frequently used in Scripture to represent truth, wisdom, goodness, God’s revelation and presence. Darkness depicts evil, ignorance, sin and separation from God.
– John 8:12 – Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
– John 12:46 – Jesus came to bring light, so “whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.”
– 1 John 1:5-7 – “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” We walk in the light by having fellowship with God.
– Ephesians 5:8 – Formerly darkness, now children of light, so we should live accordingly.
– 2 Corinthians 6:14 – There is no fellowship between light and darkness.
So Scripture presents a clear contrast between the domains of darkness and light. Darkness represents all that is opposed to God’s truth and righteousness. But light signifies His pure, holy presence.
How is Satan the ruler of the kingdom of darkness?
Though he is a created being, Satan is depicted in Scripture as the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) and the god of this world who blinds unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4). He governs a kingdom of demons who carry out his evil plans.
Some key verses about Satan’s rule:
– Matthew 12:24-28 – Jesus called Satan the ruler of demons. Their power is limited by Christ’s authority.
– John 12:31 – Satan is called the ruler of this world who was being cast out by Jesus.
– John 14:30 – Satan has no power over Jesus, but is still prince of this world.
– Acts 26:18 – Satan enslaves people, keeping them in darkness.
– Colossians 1:13 – God rescues people from the domain of darkness ruled by Satan.
Though destined to be defeated, Satan currently wields great but limited power in the earth. His kingdom promotes spiritual blindness, sin and rebellion against God. But Christ delivers believers from satanic rule into light.
How does someone escape the kingdom of darkness?
Scripture presents faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to be transferred from Satan’s realm of darkness into the kingdom of light:
– Acts 26:18 – By having one’s eyes opened to the gospel, people can turn from darkness to light.
– Romans 10:9-10 – If you confess Jesus is Lord and believe God raised Him, you will be saved.
– Ephesians 2:1-7 – Formerly dead in sin, by grace through faith we are saved and seated with Christ.
– Colossians 1:13 – The Father rescues us from darkness and transfers us into the kingdom of His Son.
– 1 Peter 2:9 – God’s light calls us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Leaving the darkness is not based on personal effort – we cannot rescue ourselves from Satan’s grip. Our deliverance requires God’s supernatural power and light invading the darkness when we respond in faith to the truth of the gospel.
What blessings come with belonging to Christ’s kingdom of light?
Being conveyed into the kingdom of Jesus Christ brings profound blessings and privileges:
– We have redemption and forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14). Our debt is cancelled.
– We enjoy intimate relationship with God as His children (Galatians 4:6-7, 1 John 1:3). Adopted into His family.
– The Holy Spirit lives within us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). God Himself indwells believers.
– We are being transformed into Christ’s image (2 Corinthians 3:18). Conformed to His character.
– We have wisdom, insight and understanding of God’s will (Ephesians 1:8-9, Colossians 1:9). Enlightened minds.
– Victory over sin, Satan and death is assured (1 Corinthians 15:54-57, Hebrews 2:14-15). Guaranteed triumph.
– We are citizens of heaven, not primarily earth (Philippians 3:20). Our eternal destiny is secure.
So belonging to the kingdom of Jesus Christ brings innumerable spiritual privileges and blessings that last for eternity. We have deep purpose as followers of the King of kings.
How should Christians respond to belonging to God’s kingdom of light?
Since we have been wonderfully delivered from darkness into God’s marvelous light through Christ, we should respond accordingly:
– Our thinking and values are renewed and aligned with God’s revelation and truth (Romans 12:2). We embrace His wisdom.
– We walk in the light by obeying God’s commands (1 John 1:7, John 14:15). Our lifestyle matches our new status.
– We display the fruits of light – goodness, righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:8-10). We reject dark deeds.
– We shine the light of Christ in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16, Philippians 2:15). We spread the light of the gospel.
– We equip other believers to serve Christ well (Ephesians 4:11-13). We strengthen the church.
– We combat spiritual darkness through prayer and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12-18). We stand against evil forces.
As people transferred from Satan’s dark kingdom to serve the King of light, our lives and priorities must reflect Christ’s kingdom values as we walk in His marvelous light.
Conclusion
In summary, the kingdom of darkness refers to the realm of sin, ignorance and satanic influence that opposes God’s kingdom. But Jesus Christ delivers people from slavery to the darkness when they place their faith in Him. He transfers them into His kingdom of light where they receive blessings like adoption, redemption, wisdom and power to live as children of light for God’s glory in a sin-darkened world.