“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

In this text, Paul points us to the creation account in Genesis, underscoring salvation’s transformation of a newly converted soul. Genesis 1:1 reads, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” And don’t forget the second verse: “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.” At this point, God’s world was formless and lifeless. But God spoke light into this blank canvas of darkness! Paul understands light’s creation as an instantaneous and supernatural action, comparing the miraculous light of conversion to this. The sinner remains in darkness and is lost until God commands, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). And Jesus, the Light of the world (John 8:12), transforms the dark soul, flooding it with spiritual light “of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (our text).

Note the historical correlation between creation and salvation in Paul’s parallel. It suggests that if one’s salvation is a real event—and it is—then the creation of light by God’s word should be considered a historical event as well. The same God who created all things is the One who died to redeem us from our sins and provide life with Him when we accept His salvation.

Have you been transformed by the miraculous light of our Lord Jesus Christ? If so, know that “the LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). CCM