Ephesians 5 Part 2 – Out Of The Darkness And Into The Light!

by Michael Robson

We were not just in the dark spiritually, we were in fact “darkness”! That is until the Light of the Glorious Gospel shined into our darkened souls (See 2 Cor.4:5-6). Then God brought us out of the Darkness and into the Light (See Eph.4:17-19; Matt.4:14-17; Acts 26:18; Col.1:13-14; 1 Pet.2:9).

There was also a time when the Light of the Gospel had been lost throughout what is called ‘The Dark Ages”, and therefore we have a lot to thank God for since The Reformation in 1517, which gave us the Restoration of the Gospel that had been lost! So, although we have no excuse today nor can anyone claim that no light is available. However it is a fact that you can be “Darkness” whilst surrounded by Light!

Unfortunately one phrase that has been picked out and used out of context from this section is v.11. This text has been used as an excuse for Christians to have “have no fellowship with” anyone who they think hasn’t got all their doctrine ducks all in a row (and use that as the excuse for getting into a row with those they disagree with). The point of what Paul is saying here is that our lives are to shine so brightly that the light in us will shine on the ‘unfruitful works of darkness’ showing them up for what they actually are, and may bring conviction to the hearts of those who are still in bondage to sin. Therefore, as Paul says, “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light”, or as the NIV says, “And Christ will shine on you!”

Michael Robson