“God is Light” vs. “Physical Properties of Light”

 

“God is Light” vs. “Physical Properties of Light”

"God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5)

"Again, Jesus said to them, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12)

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14)

"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7) 

Aspect	God is Light (Spiritual)	Physical Properties of Light (Scientific)
Meaning	Symbolizes God’s holiness, purity, righteousness, truth, and revelation of life. God Himself is the source of life and truth.	A form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths around 400–700 nm, visible to the human eye, enabling vision.
Effect	1. Illuminates and exposes everything (reveals truth and sin). 2. Source of life and fellowship. 3. Cleanses, sanctifies, and guides in truth.	1. Provides illumination for sight. 2. Provides energy (e.g., photosynthesis). 3. Transfers energy and information (e.g., fiber optics).
Distinction	1. Spiritual and life-related, transcending material reality. 2. In the Bible, light symbolizes divine nature and revelation.	1. A created phenomenon in nature. 2. Measurable and analyzable under physical laws.
Examples	1. Moses’ face shone with light after meeting God (Exodus 34:29-30). 2. Paul was struck by a great light on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-5). 3. New Jerusalem: “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light.” (Revelation 21:23)	1. Sunlight sustains life on earth. 2. Optical phenomena: reflection, refraction, rainbow. 3. Laser applications in medicine and communication.
Application	1. Believers walk in the light (1 John 1:7). 2. Be transparent before God, confessing sins under His light. 3. Be the light of the world, testifying of Christ.	1. Illumination (lamps, LEDs). 2. Renewable energy (solar power). 3. Optical technology (microscopes, telescopes, fiber networks).

  

Key Points: 

•        The Bible reveals God Himself as Light, symbolizing holiness, purity, righteousness, truth, and life.

•        Physics describes light as an electromagnetic wave that enables vision and energy transfer.

•        The comparison highlights the spiritual meaning vs. scientific property, showing both the transcendence of God and the usefulness of physical light.

 

Conclusion:

• Spiritual light (God Himself) is eternal, holy, and life-giving.
• Physical light is created and limited but supports life and reveals God’s wisdom in creation.
• Together, they remind us that while science explains creation, only God Himself is the true Light of life.