What is the marvelous light in 1 Peter 2:9?
1 Peter 2:9 refers to believers in Christ as “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” This verse indicates that through faith in Christ, believers are called out of spiritual darkness and into God’s marvelous light. Let’s explore what this “marvelous light” represents according to the context of 1 Peter and other Scripture.
Called Out of Darkness
When people place their faith in Christ, they experience a spiritual transformation from death to life. Ephesians 2:1-5 explains that apart from Christ, all people are “dead in trespasses and sins,” following the dark path of the world and Satan. But when someone becomes a believer, God in His mercy makes us alive together with Christ, raising us up to be seated with Him in the heavenly places. Through God’s grace we are saved from the darkness.
1 Peter 2 echoes this idea, indicating believers are called “out of darkness.” Prior to salvation, all people walk in darkness and sin. As Jesus declared in John 3:19, “The light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” Sin loves the cover of darkness. But when God opens someone’s eyes to see their need for a Savior, and they turn to Christ, He calls them out of the realm of darkness and into His kingdom of light.
Called Into God’s Marvelous Light
What is the nature of this “marvelous light” that believers are called into? Let’s explore some key aspects surrounding this light:
1. It’s God’s light.
1 Peter 2 specifies this light belongs to “him who called you.” God in His grace calls people and grants them access to His kingdom of light. We don’t come to the light by our own doing – God lovingly draws us by His Spirit (John 6:44).
2. It’s linked with salvation.
Coming to the light is another way to describe what happens at salvation. When someone believes in Christ, they pass from darkness to light, from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God (Acts 26:18, Colossians 1:13). God’s light represents the realm of His salvation.
3. It reveals truth and exposes sin.
Light by nature reveals what was hidden in darkness (John 3:19-21). As believers, God’s light exposes the depth of our sin but also reveals His truth and righteousness found in Christ. His Word and Spirit shine a spotlight on our need for repentance and daily cleansing.
4. It results in a changed life.
2 Corinthians 4:6 explains that the same God who created physical light in Genesis now shines in believers’ hearts to illuminate God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ. This inner spiritual light bears the fruit of a changed life. We are new creations according to His purpose (2 Corinthians 5:17).
5. It enables us to shine for Christ.
Jesus taught that His followers would be light to the world, shining like a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14-16). As believers walk in God’s marvelous light, they reflect His glory to others through Christ-like conduct and proclaiming the gospel message. We are called to shine in such a way that others give glory to God.
The Divine Nature of God’s Light
What is the essential nature of this marvelous light that believers partake of? Scripture points to the fact that God’s marvelous light represents His divine nature. James 1:17 describes God as the “Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” He is the source of all light, perfectly unchanging and without darkness.
1 John 1:5 testifies “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” His very nature exudes the moral perfection and splendor of light. There is no sin or impurity in Him (1 John 3:5). Furthermore, Jesus spoke of Himself by saying “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). When we follow Christ, we share in the blessings of His pure, holy nature described as light.
By calling us into His marvelous light, God grants us access to the glories of who He is. 1 Peter 2:9 even terms believers “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” – descriptions of Israel now applied to the church because of our union with Christ. Through faith we share in the privileges of His marvelous light. Let’s explore some of these privileges further:
Privileges of Partaking in God’s Light
Fellowship with God – Darkness represents separation from God. But in God’s light we experience intimate communion and fellowship with Him. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another” (1 John 1:7). We enjoy relationship with the Lord of light.
Purity from sin – “The blood of Jesus…cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). God’s light sanctifies us, setting us apart for holiness as we submit to His Word. His light exposes sin and motivates us to repentance.
Discernment of truth – We begin to see reality from God’s perspective rather than the distorted view the world promotes. His light enables us to discern truth vs. deception.
Experience of God’s glory – Moses beheld God’s glory on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:17). Being in God’s light allows us to behold His majesty and beauty. “In Your light we see light” (Psalm 36:9).
Confidence and joy – “The light of the righteous rejoices” (Proverbs 13:9). Walking in the light banishes fear and gloom. God’s presence shines on us, giving confident assurance.
Guidance and purpose – Light shows the path ahead. Psalm 119:105 says God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and light to our path, guiding our way. His light clarifies our purpose.
Blessing and favor – Psalm 89:15 says “Blessed are those who…walk, O Lord, in the light of your face.” There are abundant blessings and favor for those who walk in God’s light.
The hope of glory – Colossians 1:27 reveals “God has chosen to make known…the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The light of Christ in us is the sure hope of eternal glory.
Radiance to the World
As children of light, we shine God’s light to others through good works, purity, love and preaching the gospel. Jesus taught His followers “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Just as the moon reflects the brilliance of the sun, as believers we make Christ’s light visible to a dark world. When we walk in God’s marvelous light, we radiate hope, truth, and righteousness. We are His ambassadors of light proclaiming Christ and the way of salvation.
In summary, when 1 Peter 2:9 mentions being called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light, this represents the supernatural transfer that occurs when someone believes in Christ. Though once dead in sin and under Satan’s dominion, now we are alive in Christ, called into God’s kingdom of light. This light represents His divine nature of love, glory, purity and truth. As we walk in fellowship with the Father of lights, we take on His holy qualities. Just as light overcomes darkness, the life of God in us overcomes sin and shines brilliantly to reach others for Christ. God’s light delivers, cleanses, illuminates, transforms, and radiates through all believers, to the praise of His glory.