Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Believers are all children of light and children of the day, and are not of the night nor of darkness. Light is the truth of God shining on the pathway and the way illuminated by Christ as Leader, the Sun of Righteousness, while night and darkness are the spiritual darkness of the world under Satan where blinded minds are in unity with satanic agencies. Because they are not in darkness, the day of the Lord that comes as a thief in the night with sudden destruction upon the unawake should not overtake them, so they are called not to sleep but to stay awake, watch and be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation. There are two distinct classes as far removed as east from west, and identity as children of the day is shown by direction of life and fruits borne rather than mere profession, coming through new birth, vital union with Christ, and separation from the unfruitful works of darkness. Living as of the day means sober, obedient, patient and faithful conduct that grows more like Christ, and receiving light from God to share it with those in darkness by holy character, good works, and warning of the soon coming of the Saviour while there is still time to work.
Words and Immediate Setting
The verse declares that all believers are children of light and children of the day, and are not of the night nor of darkness. This identity means they are not in darkness about the day of the Lord, so it should not overtake them like a thief, but they are to stay awake, watch and remain sober. It is part of the apostle's exhortation to those who know that day is near, calling them to live alertly and faithfully rather than to be indifferent to the signs that precede Christ's second coming. To be children of light is to receive the truth shining on the pathway and to be vigilant, watchful and sober rather than sleeping like others, so the great event does not come upon them unawares. Indifference is sinful, and those guilty of that neglect are children of the night and of darkness who close their eyes to warnings, quiet apprehension while saying peace and safety, and face sudden destruction. The call is therefore not to sleep as others do but to watch and be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation, since God has furnished everyone with full armor but each must put it on. God has not appointed them to wrath but to obtain salvation by Jesus Christ who died for them that whether waking or sleeping they should live together with Him, and they should comfort and edify one another. Constant preparation through watching and sobriety stands in contrast to sleeping and drunkenness in the night and to the spirit that works in the children of disobedience, and carried into practice with the whole fifth chapter of First Thessalonians it brings a great change of life, so that chapter should be read and heeded in every church before as well as during seasons of prayer.
Light means the truth shining on the pathway and the teaching of God who does not hide His counsel, and it is the will and mind of God concerning His people that they are in the light all the time, taking their position as those taught of God and bearing it in mind. It is the way illuminated by Christ as Leader, the Sun of Righteousness and Life-giver, whose light shines on the path of obedience and whose strength sustains them. As they obey Christ they grow from strength to strength and from grace to grace, becoming more like Him and more Christlike. As they are renewed in Christ's image they follow Him and share His light, they do not walk in darkness but have the light of life, with heaven's light dwelling in their hearts and Christ's grace daily conforming them to the divine image. Because Christ lives in their hearts they reflect His image and their lives are a life-giving influence. This means pressing on in the way illuminated by Christ, receiving strength from Him, moving forward in obedience to His commands, following Him as Leader instead of human leading, finding Him a present help at all times and in all places and in every need, walking in the light of His countenance and showing that He is light with no darkness at all. It means submitting to His guidance to be led from the low level where sin left humanity to the loftiest heights of grace, and giving plainer evidence of completeness in Him, while not darkening life by talking of one's own imperfections or the imperfections of others, but being all light in the Lord.
Night and darkness mean spiritual darkness and the world under Satan, where the god of this world blinds minds and the spirit of the prince of darkness leads. God's children as children of light are distinct in calling, character and hope from the world, with a way of life and obligations that conflict with worldly ways, separating them in spirit and practice. Their affections are set on heavenly things and they leave worldly things behind, coming out from the world, living separately from it, and having no fellowship with its unfruitful works of darkness. The children of the world are blinded by Satan and cannot enjoy heavenly things, and love for God and obedience to His commandments are incompatible with loving the world's pleasures. God distinguishes the converted from the unconverted, with the saints as children of light and day unlike those of night and darkness, the two classes as distinct as midday and midnight. As the end approaches the divide between children of light and children of darkness becomes increasingly clear, and new birth and life in Christ mark this separation. The verse distinguishes two classes: children of light who are Christ's faithful followers, bought at the cost of His life and striving to be like Him, and children of darkness through whom Satan works to deceive. The children of darkness are those in unity with satanic agencies, standing on one side of a continuing controversy between wicked angels and wicked men on the one side and holy angels and true believers on the other, with the true church in every age engaged in decided warfare against satanic agencies until the controversy is ended and the battle growing fiercer as the end approaches. There is not and cannot be a natural enmity between fallen angels and fallen men, for both are evil and through apostasy both cherish evil sentiments, and wicked angels and wicked men are leagued in a desperate confederacy against the good, the force Satan sought by inducing men as he had induced angels to unite with him in rebellion.
The verse belongs to the warning in the fifth chapter of First Thessalonians that the day of the Lord and day of trial will come as a thief in the night, stealing unawares upon the world. Those who heed the signs and watch for Christ's coming are not left in darkness or overtaken unawares. The day comes with sudden destruction upon those saying peace and safety and upon the spiritually unawake, catching unwatchful people unaware. It comes like a thief to those who are not watching, praying and working, while those who have the light must follow Jesus and work out their salvation with fear and trembling. The call to teachers is to stay awake and give a clear warning so people can prepare to stand in that day. Training all powers and consecrating youthful zeal and ardor to glorify God and to bless others in organized service, as in the school of the prophets, is the education needed to be ready for that day.
Ready for Day of Lord
Because they are children of light and children of the day and not of night nor of darkness, believers are not in darkness about the day of the Lord, and that day should not overtake them like a thief. Those who receive the light of truth shining on their pathway and heed the warning about His coming will not be caught unprepared and unawares, for they are to recognize when His coming is near even though its exact day and hour are unknown. The day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night with sudden destruction upon those saying peace and safety, but it will not so overtake those who stay awake and are sober. God has not appointed them to wrath but to obtain salvation by Jesus Christ who died for them that whether waking or sleeping they should live together with Him, and they should comfort and edify one another. Constant preparation for that great event through watching and sobriety stands in contrast to sleeping and drunkenness in the night and to the spirit that works in the children of disobedience, and carried into practice with the whole fifth chapter of First Thessalonians it brings a great change of life.
It is sinful to be indifferent to the signs that precede the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven. Those guilty of that neglect are children of the night and of darkness who close their eyes to warnings, quiet apprehension while saying peace and safety, and face sudden destruction. Faithful people who obey the promptings of God's Spirit and the teachings of His word are not in darkness, but religious leaders who have lost their connection with God and refused heavenly light are not among the children of light. Those who rejected heaven's light and ignored the signs will not recognize them, while those who receive the light God gives are prepared and watchful so the day does not overtake them unexpectedly. As in Noah's time people will be absorbed in ordinary pursuits until probation ends, and as iniquity increases the love of many grows cold, so many who claim to be God's children pursue worldly concerns with such intensity that their actions contradict their claim and only a few can truly be called children of the day, nor are those who doubt the message of Christ our righteousness and stand between it and the people among them.
The verse therefore calls believers not to sleep as others do but to stay awake, watch, and be sober. To be children of light means to be vigilant, watchful and sober with clear judgment and intense faith and pure love rather than sleeping like others, so the great event does not come upon them unawares. God has furnished everyone with full armor but each must put it on, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation. This identity calls them to see clearly, avoid sharing in disobedience, exercise their abilities in preparation for the immortal inheritance, keep eyes on Jesus, remain in the channel of light, and follow God's Word as guide with angels guarding them from corrupting satanic influences that seek to deceive even the elect.
Readiness is constant preparation, and the whole fifth chapter should be read and heeded and read in every church before as well as during seasons of prayer and studied as a warning. From now onward to the close of time the people of God are to be wide-awake children of the day, watchful, prayerful and working, not trusting in their own wisdom but wholly in the wisdom of their Leader. The day of the Lord comes like a thief to those who are not watching, praying, and working, so those who have the light must follow Jesus and work out their salvation with fear and trembling while there is still time, because the end is near and Satan is working in secrecy through human agencies to take those who are spiritually asleep. This means setting aside days for fasting and earnest prayer with denial of usual enjoyed food for a plain simple diet and with genuine humiliation and most earnest prayer, with no one lifting up his soul unto vanity in self-indulgence and pride, because the most important crisis that has ever come upon the world is nearing. It means keeping lamps trimmed and burning, blending personal devotion with earnest work, giving a clear warning as teachers so people can prepare to stand, and humbly confessing backsliding, denying self, taking the cross and yoke of Christ, and working unitedly so reformation begins and light comes in.
Two Distinct Spiritual Families
There are two spiritual families, children of light and of the day and children of night and of darkness, as far removed from each other as east is from west and as distinct as midday from midnight. The righteous and the ungodly remain in contact through the duties of life until the harvest, and their contrasting lives make the difference visible, with God's people reflecting His love and Christlike harmony. Their way of life and obligations conflict with worldly ways, separating them in spirit, customs and practices, and as the end approaches that divide becomes increasingly clear and marked.
Identity as children of the day is shown by the direction of life and the fruits borne, and each person knows whether he is tending toward God's city or toward darkness. Mere profession does not make one a child of light, nor does having a name in a church book, holding honorable position, receiving the praise of men, or shutting away in monastic garments of sanctity, for without matching faith and actions conduct reveals whose service has been chosen. Many who claim to be God's children pursue worldly concerns with such intensity that their actions contradict their claim, and only a few can truly be called children of the day, since as in Noah's time people are absorbed in ordinary pursuits until probation ends and as iniquity increases the love of many grows cold. Professing to belong to the light while pursuing worldly pleasures, blending in conduct with unbelievers, and walking in unbelieving conduct is walking in darkness, which leaves one unenlightened to recognize the worth of heavenly things and unable truly to love God or desire to glorify Him.
Becoming children of light comes through new birth and life in Christ and a living connection with God that takes people out of darkness. It rests on vital union with Christ, receiving His Spirit, sharing the divine nature, being crucified to the world and its desires, and being renewed in knowledge and true holiness. This was made possible by Christ's sacrifice of His royal robe and kingly crown, the glory of heaven, the homage of angels, and His divinity to come to earth to labor and suffer with humanity, saving souls from sin and Satan's snares and from the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Children of light are called out to be a distinct, holy people, separate from the world and with no fellowship with its unfruitful works of darkness. Their affections are set on heavenly things while they leave worldly things behind, and love for God and obedience to His commandments are incompatible with loving the world's pleasures. Those who desire to imitate the world's pride, fashions and customs show they are children of the world rather than children acknowledged as God's own, while children of light maintain integrity, refuse to imitate the practices of the ungodly, and stand faithfully at their post as light bearers. The children of darkness, blinded by the god of this world and led by the spirit of the prince of darkness, focus on self and earthly treasure and forget God the Giver, whereas the children of light stand firmly for truth and righteousness.
Daily Conduct in Light
Living as belonging to the day means sober, thoughtful and discreet conduct, not vain or frivolous in conversation, dress or behavior, and not ruled by impulse or circumstance. It rules out careless and licentious conduct, including flirting and lightness, and calls for sober, disciplined behavior marked by faith, love and hope of salvation that brings no reproach on Christ. It rejects both extremes of gloom with impatience and lightness with frivolity, calling instead for a cheerful, happy spirit that reflects divine light. Such a life shows by intense faith and pure love a belief that the end is near in a world approaching doom, and testifies that no earthly attraction or possession is worth losing the heavenly inheritance, that godliness brings lasting good and satisfies the soul and draws others through Christ's love.
To be of the day means brethren love one another, for brothers who do not love one another are living not as children of the day but of darkness. Gathering mistakes and reports stone upon stone to stone a fellow worker to death to save reputation and life, acting as accuser of the brethren, is being of darkness and not of the day and shows Christ is not enthroned in the heart. It also means wise care of the body as God's property, using physical and mental abilities responsibly and avoiding habits that harm them, remaining awake, watchful and sober rather than spiritually careless. It has nothing to do with the temptation to desire many possessions, since temporal blessings are entrusted as a test of whether one can be trusted with eternal riches.
Children of light walk in the way illuminated by Christ as Leader and Sun of Righteousness and Life-giver, whose light shines on the path of obedience and whose strength sustains, so that by obeying they grow from strength to strength and from grace to grace and become more like Him and more Christlike. This depends on obedience to knowledge received from God's word and walking according to that word, knowing God's will and carrying it out in everyday life, understanding His providential work through Scripture and its prophetic guideposts rather than being caught unprepared, and joining life in the light to understanding and obeying His law. They keep His commandments and love His law without evasion at all hazards above all human priests and ministers, follow Christ as Leader instead of human leading, finding Him a present help at all times and places and needs, walking in the light of His countenance, and advance step by step under His guidance even when worldly friendship tempts otherwise. They have faith that works by love and purifies the soul, yet have not already attained nor are now perfect, so purification continues until their lives show pressing toward the mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ, walking humbly with God, growing in grace and knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord to be changed into the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit, abiding in Christ to reveal perfection of character and be made perfect in one, not darkening life by talking of imperfections of self or others but being all light in the Lord, with God's Word as guide and angels guarding from corrupting influences that seek to deceive even the elect.
Being children of light means waiting patiently, watching vigilantly and working faithfully until the coming of the Lord in preparation for that solemn event. It means zeal and deep earnestness for Christ, constant watchfulness and unceasing prayer to stand in appointed lot and place with eye single to God's glory, quickened by the Holy Spirit to discern and not be ignorant of Satan's devices, wise as serpents and harmless as doves, weighted with truth with Christ's love for souls in the heart, in vital connection with Christ to note what is transpiring, in contrast to a restless, apprehensive world swayed by impulse and excitement on the eve of a great event. It blends personal devotion with earnest work, neither given wholly to contemplation nor so engrossed in busy works as to neglect piety, but not slothful in business and fervent in spirit, keeping lamps trimmed and burning to send bright rays into moral darkness, bringing every facility into play lest declension come and the day overtake as a thief in the night. Young people may be free in Christ and belong to the children of light despite surrounding moral corruption, by training all powers and consecrating youthful zeal and ardor to glorify God and bless others in organized service as in the school of the prophets, which is the education needed to be ready for the day of trial coming as a thief stealing unawares. Christian workers walk in that light through faithful, diligent service, laying aside sin and hindrances and patiently pursuing the race, including publishing-house managers needing renovating power and pitying love to keep single eye to God's glory, and staying in advance of the world in intelligence, plans and methods to relieve suffering humanity, while honoring sacred true love and escaping reproach by falling upon the Rock and rejecting delusive representations, base lust of mind and corrupt thoughts toward another besides one's spouse.
Sharing Light with Others
Those given great light and sacred truth are light bearers, to stand faithfully at their post as a distinct and holy people, receiving light from God to share with those in darkness and not imitating the practices of the ungodly. The light is entrusted not for benefit alone but to shine to others and lead those who receive it to glorify God. Time, strength and ability belong to God because they were purchased at infinite cost, to be used to save and bless others rather than to gratify pride, personal wishes or vanity. Serving others in this way also gives strength and courage and wins God's approval. Because the end approaches stealthily like a thief in the night, those who belong to the light and the day are to stay awake and sober rather than sleep as others do, remaining in the channel of light with eyes on Jesus and working alertly and perseveringly to share present truth while there is still time, for the night is coming when no one can work.
Reflecting heaven-given light means carrying out in life the pure principles of the gospel to honor and glorify God, so that sinners are constrained to confess the difference, which is known by the fruits borne. A name on the church book, honorable position, praise of men, or shut-away monastic sanctity does not make anyone a child of light and gives no power to shun or overcome temptation; becoming a child of light requires a deep work of grace, with the love of God in the heart expressed by obedience and Christ dwelling in the soul by faith giving spiritual power. Selfish and unrighteous works reveal that a person is not living in God's light, while love for God must be shown in deed and truth through receiving renewing grace and the transforming power that leads a person to live as Christ lived. Those who abide in Christ the heavenly Vine receive life from Him and bear vigorous fruit to God's glory, turning from sin and growing in holiness through reverence for God. Christ's character reflected in believers shows heaven's light dwelling in their hearts, with His grace daily conforming them to the divine image, and the more light received by living closely to Jesus the more is imparted to others as channels of light. The righteous and ungodly remain in contact through life's duties until the harvest, and God's people show His praise by reflecting His love and Christlike harmony, giving the world a glimpse of heaven, while by kind, gracious conduct and good works their character shows they have been with Jesus and learned from Him and leads others toward God.
Because believers know the truth for this time about the soon coming of the Saviour, they are in the light while those around them do not know it, and therefore are to stay awake, watch and be sober, discerning the signs of the times and warning others rather than yielding to carnal security or treating the day of the Lord as distant. This work means going out to reach neighbors where they are, including by open-air meetings that can reach some who would not attend a service held in a church. The call to teachers is to stay awake and give a clear warning so people can prepare to stand in that near day which will come like a thief catching the unwatchful unaware. The day of the Lord comes as a thief upon the spiritually unawake, half-asleep, listless and indifferent, but not upon those who are spiritually awake, so those who rejoice in present truth are to share it while probation lingers and there is still time to work before the end steals stealthily like a thief and the night comes when no one can work.
In the judgment those professing the truth are described as children of light and truth and are examined by name. Even as darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people, they can lift their heads and rejoice because redemption is near. Christian life is an active conflict in which there are no spectators, so the church must awake and raise its standard, stay awake and watch rather than let the coming day overtake them like a thief, because neglect can turn its light to darkness. Christ's people are to resist Satan's influence and work to keep what belongs to Christ under His control in the contrast and conflict between good and evil and between the children of light and day and the children of darkness. Fanatical opposition is of darkness, and its departure is followed by sweet peace among the gathered company.
Believers are all children of light and children of the day, and are not of the night nor of darkness. Light is the truth of God shining on the pathway and the way illuminated by Christ as Leader, the Sun of Righteousness, while night and darkness are the spiritual darkness of the world under Satan where blinded minds are in unity with satanic agencies. Because they are not in darkness, the day of the Lord that comes as a thief in the night with sudden destruction upon the unawake should not overtake them, so they are called not to sleep but to stay awake, watch and be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation. There are two distinct classes as far removed as east from west, and identity as children of the day is shown by direction of life and fruits borne rather than mere profession, coming through new birth, vital union with Christ, and separation from the unfruitful works of darkness. Living as of the day means sober, obedient, patient and faithful conduct that grows more like Christ, and receiving light from God to share it with those in darkness by holy character, good works, and warning of the soon coming of the Saviour while there is still time to work.
Words and Immediate Setting
The verse declares that all believers are children of light and children of the day, and are not of the night nor of darkness. This identity means they are not in darkness about the day of the Lord, so it should not overtake them like a thief, but they are to stay awake, watch and remain sober. It is part of the apostle's exhortation to those who know that day is near, calling them to live alertly and faithfully rather than to be indifferent to the signs that precede Christ's second coming. To be children of light is to receive the truth shining on the pathway and to be vigilant, watchful and sober rather than sleeping like others, so the great event does not come upon them unawares. Indifference is sinful, and those guilty of that neglect are children of the night and of darkness who close their eyes to warnings, quiet apprehension while saying peace and safety, and face sudden destruction. The call is therefore not to sleep as others do but to watch and be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation, since God has furnished everyone with full armor but each must put it on. God has not appointed them to wrath but to obtain salvation by Jesus Christ who died for them that whether waking or sleeping they should live together with Him, and they should comfort and edify one another. Constant preparation through watching and sobriety stands in contrast to sleeping and drunkenness in the night and to the spirit that works in the children of disobedience, and carried into practice with the whole fifth chapter of First Thessalonians it brings a great change of life, so that chapter should be read and heeded in every church before as well as during seasons of prayer.
Light means the truth shining on the pathway and the teaching of God who does not hide His counsel, and it is the will and mind of God concerning His people that they are in the light all the time, taking their position as those taught of God and bearing it in mind. It is the way illuminated by Christ as Leader, the Sun of Righteousness and Life-giver, whose light shines on the path of obedience and whose strength sustains them. As they obey Christ they grow from strength to strength and from grace to grace, becoming more like Him and more Christlike. As they are renewed in Christ's image they follow Him and share His light, they do not walk in darkness but have the light of life, with heaven's light dwelling in their hearts and Christ's grace daily conforming them to the divine image. Because Christ lives in their hearts they reflect His image and their lives are a life-giving influence. This means pressing on in the way illuminated by Christ, receiving strength from Him, moving forward in obedience to His commands, following Him as Leader instead of human leading, finding Him a present help at all times and in all places and in every need, walking in the light of His countenance and showing that He is light with no darkness at all. It means submitting to His guidance to be led from the low level where sin left humanity to the loftiest heights of grace, and giving plainer evidence of completeness in Him, while not darkening life by talking of one's own imperfections or the imperfections of others, but being all light in the Lord.
Night and darkness mean spiritual darkness and the world under Satan, where the god of this world blinds minds and the spirit of the prince of darkness leads. God's children as children of light are distinct in calling, character and hope from the world, with a way of life and obligations that conflict with worldly ways, separating them in spirit and practice. Their affections are set on heavenly things and they leave worldly things behind, coming out from the world, living separately from it, and having no fellowship with its unfruitful works of darkness. The children of the world are blinded by Satan and cannot enjoy heavenly things, and love for God and obedience to His commandments are incompatible with loving the world's pleasures. God distinguishes the converted from the unconverted, with the saints as children of light and day unlike those of night and darkness, the two classes as distinct as midday and midnight. As the end approaches the divide between children of light and children of darkness becomes increasingly clear, and new birth and life in Christ mark this separation. The verse distinguishes two classes: children of light who are Christ's faithful followers, bought at the cost of His life and striving to be like Him, and children of darkness through whom Satan works to deceive. The children of darkness are those in unity with satanic agencies, standing on one side of a continuing controversy between wicked angels and wicked men on the one side and holy angels and true believers on the other, with the true church in every age engaged in decided warfare against satanic agencies until the controversy is ended and the battle growing fiercer as the end approaches. There is not and cannot be a natural enmity between fallen angels and fallen men, for both are evil and through apostasy both cherish evil sentiments, and wicked angels and wicked men are leagued in a desperate confederacy against the good, the force Satan sought by inducing men as he had induced angels to unite with him in rebellion.
The verse belongs to the warning in the fifth chapter of First Thessalonians that the day of the Lord and day of trial will come as a thief in the night, stealing unawares upon the world. Those who heed the signs and watch for Christ's coming are not left in darkness or overtaken unawares. The day comes with sudden destruction upon those saying peace and safety and upon the spiritually unawake, catching unwatchful people unaware. It comes like a thief to those who are not watching, praying and working, while those who have the light must follow Jesus and work out their salvation with fear and trembling. The call to teachers is to stay awake and give a clear warning so people can prepare to stand in that day. Training all powers and consecrating youthful zeal and ardor to glorify God and to bless others in organized service, as in the school of the prophets, is the education needed to be ready for that day.
Ready for Day of Lord
Because they are children of light and children of the day and not of night nor of darkness, believers are not in darkness about the day of the Lord, and that day should not overtake them like a thief. Those who receive the light of truth shining on their pathway and heed the warning about His coming will not be caught unprepared and unawares, for they are to recognize when His coming is near even though its exact day and hour are unknown. The day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night with sudden destruction upon those saying peace and safety, but it will not so overtake those who stay awake and are sober. God has not appointed them to wrath but to obtain salvation by Jesus Christ who died for them that whether waking or sleeping they should live together with Him, and they should comfort and edify one another. Constant preparation for that great event through watching and sobriety stands in contrast to sleeping and drunkenness in the night and to the spirit that works in the children of disobedience, and carried into practice with the whole fifth chapter of First Thessalonians it brings a great change of life.
It is sinful to be indifferent to the signs that precede the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven. Those guilty of that neglect are children of the night and of darkness who close their eyes to warnings, quiet apprehension while saying peace and safety, and face sudden destruction. Faithful people who obey the promptings of God's Spirit and the teachings of His word are not in darkness, but religious leaders who have lost their connection with God and refused heavenly light are not among the children of light. Those who rejected heaven's light and ignored the signs will not recognize them, while those who receive the light God gives are prepared and watchful so the day does not overtake them unexpectedly. As in Noah's time people will be absorbed in ordinary pursuits until probation ends, and as iniquity increases the love of many grows cold, so many who claim to be God's children pursue worldly concerns with such intensity that their actions contradict their claim and only a few can truly be called children of the day, nor are those who doubt the message of Christ our righteousness and stand between it and the people among them.
The verse therefore calls believers not to sleep as others do but to stay awake, watch, and be sober. To be children of light means to be vigilant, watchful and sober with clear judgment and intense faith and pure love rather than sleeping like others, so the great event does not come upon them unawares. God has furnished everyone with full armor but each must put it on, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation. This identity calls them to see clearly, avoid sharing in disobedience, exercise their abilities in preparation for the immortal inheritance, keep eyes on Jesus, remain in the channel of light, and follow God's Word as guide with angels guarding them from corrupting satanic influences that seek to deceive even the elect.
Readiness is constant preparation, and the whole fifth chapter should be read and heeded and read in every church before as well as during seasons of prayer and studied as a warning. From now onward to the close of time the people of God are to be wide-awake children of the day, watchful, prayerful and working, not trusting in their own wisdom but wholly in the wisdom of their Leader. The day of the Lord comes like a thief to those who are not watching, praying, and working, so those who have the light must follow Jesus and work out their salvation with fear and trembling while there is still time, because the end is near and Satan is working in secrecy through human agencies to take those who are spiritually asleep. This means setting aside days for fasting and earnest prayer with denial of usual enjoyed food for a plain simple diet and with genuine humiliation and most earnest prayer, with no one lifting up his soul unto vanity in self-indulgence and pride, because the most important crisis that has ever come upon the world is nearing. It means keeping lamps trimmed and burning, blending personal devotion with earnest work, giving a clear warning as teachers so people can prepare to stand, and humbly confessing backsliding, denying self, taking the cross and yoke of Christ, and working unitedly so reformation begins and light comes in.
Two Distinct Spiritual Families
There are two spiritual families, children of light and of the day and children of night and of darkness, as far removed from each other as east is from west and as distinct as midday from midnight. The righteous and the ungodly remain in contact through the duties of life until the harvest, and their contrasting lives make the difference visible, with God's people reflecting His love and Christlike harmony. Their way of life and obligations conflict with worldly ways, separating them in spirit, customs and practices, and as the end approaches that divide becomes increasingly clear and marked.
Identity as children of the day is shown by the direction of life and the fruits borne, and each person knows whether he is tending toward God's city or toward darkness. Mere profession does not make one a child of light, nor does having a name in a church book, holding honorable position, receiving the praise of men, or shutting away in monastic garments of sanctity, for without matching faith and actions conduct reveals whose service has been chosen. Many who claim to be God's children pursue worldly concerns with such intensity that their actions contradict their claim, and only a few can truly be called children of the day, since as in Noah's time people are absorbed in ordinary pursuits until probation ends and as iniquity increases the love of many grows cold. Professing to belong to the light while pursuing worldly pleasures, blending in conduct with unbelievers, and walking in unbelieving conduct is walking in darkness, which leaves one unenlightened to recognize the worth of heavenly things and unable truly to love God or desire to glorify Him.
Becoming children of light comes through new birth and life in Christ and a living connection with God that takes people out of darkness. It rests on vital union with Christ, receiving His Spirit, sharing the divine nature, being crucified to the world and its desires, and being renewed in knowledge and true holiness. This was made possible by Christ's sacrifice of His royal robe and kingly crown, the glory of heaven, the homage of angels, and His divinity to come to earth to labor and suffer with humanity, saving souls from sin and Satan's snares and from the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Children of light are called out to be a distinct, holy people, separate from the world and with no fellowship with its unfruitful works of darkness. Their affections are set on heavenly things while they leave worldly things behind, and love for God and obedience to His commandments are incompatible with loving the world's pleasures. Those who desire to imitate the world's pride, fashions and customs show they are children of the world rather than children acknowledged as God's own, while children of light maintain integrity, refuse to imitate the practices of the ungodly, and stand faithfully at their post as light bearers. The children of darkness, blinded by the god of this world and led by the spirit of the prince of darkness, focus on self and earthly treasure and forget God the Giver, whereas the children of light stand firmly for truth and righteousness.
Daily Conduct in Light
Living as belonging to the day means sober, thoughtful and discreet conduct, not vain or frivolous in conversation, dress or behavior, and not ruled by impulse or circumstance. It rules out careless and licentious conduct, including flirting and lightness, and calls for sober, disciplined behavior marked by faith, love and hope of salvation that brings no reproach on Christ. It rejects both extremes of gloom with impatience and lightness with frivolity, calling instead for a cheerful, happy spirit that reflects divine light. Such a life shows by intense faith and pure love a belief that the end is near in a world approaching doom, and testifies that no earthly attraction or possession is worth losing the heavenly inheritance, that godliness brings lasting good and satisfies the soul and draws others through Christ's love.
To be of the day means brethren love one another, for brothers who do not love one another are living not as children of the day but of darkness. Gathering mistakes and reports stone upon stone to stone a fellow worker to death to save reputation and life, acting as accuser of the brethren, is being of darkness and not of the day and shows Christ is not enthroned in the heart. It also means wise care of the body as God's property, using physical and mental abilities responsibly and avoiding habits that harm them, remaining awake, watchful and sober rather than spiritually careless. It has nothing to do with the temptation to desire many possessions, since temporal blessings are entrusted as a test of whether one can be trusted with eternal riches.
Children of light walk in the way illuminated by Christ as Leader and Sun of Righteousness and Life-giver, whose light shines on the path of obedience and whose strength sustains, so that by obeying they grow from strength to strength and from grace to grace and become more like Him and more Christlike. This depends on obedience to knowledge received from God's word and walking according to that word, knowing God's will and carrying it out in everyday life, understanding His providential work through Scripture and its prophetic guideposts rather than being caught unprepared, and joining life in the light to understanding and obeying His law. They keep His commandments and love His law without evasion at all hazards above all human priests and ministers, follow Christ as Leader instead of human leading, finding Him a present help at all times and places and needs, walking in the light of His countenance, and advance step by step under His guidance even when worldly friendship tempts otherwise. They have faith that works by love and purifies the soul, yet have not already attained nor are now perfect, so purification continues until their lives show pressing toward the mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ, walking humbly with God, growing in grace and knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord to be changed into the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit, abiding in Christ to reveal perfection of character and be made perfect in one, not darkening life by talking of imperfections of self or others but being all light in the Lord, with God's Word as guide and angels guarding from corrupting influences that seek to deceive even the elect.
Being children of light means waiting patiently, watching vigilantly and working faithfully until the coming of the Lord in preparation for that solemn event. It means zeal and deep earnestness for Christ, constant watchfulness and unceasing prayer to stand in appointed lot and place with eye single to God's glory, quickened by the Holy Spirit to discern and not be ignorant of Satan's devices, wise as serpents and harmless as doves, weighted with truth with Christ's love for souls in the heart, in vital connection with Christ to note what is transpiring, in contrast to a restless, apprehensive world swayed by impulse and excitement on the eve of a great event. It blends personal devotion with earnest work, neither given wholly to contemplation nor so engrossed in busy works as to neglect piety, but not slothful in business and fervent in spirit, keeping lamps trimmed and burning to send bright rays into moral darkness, bringing every facility into play lest declension come and the day overtake as a thief in the night. Young people may be free in Christ and belong to the children of light despite surrounding moral corruption, by training all powers and consecrating youthful zeal and ardor to glorify God and bless others in organized service as in the school of the prophets, which is the education needed to be ready for the day of trial coming as a thief stealing unawares. Christian workers walk in that light through faithful, diligent service, laying aside sin and hindrances and patiently pursuing the race, including publishing-house managers needing renovating power and pitying love to keep single eye to God's glory, and staying in advance of the world in intelligence, plans and methods to relieve suffering humanity, while honoring sacred true love and escaping reproach by falling upon the Rock and rejecting delusive representations, base lust of mind and corrupt thoughts toward another besides one's spouse.
Sharing Light with Others
Those given great light and sacred truth are light bearers, to stand faithfully at their post as a distinct and holy people, receiving light from God to share with those in darkness and not imitating the practices of the ungodly. The light is entrusted not for benefit alone but to shine to others and lead those who receive it to glorify God. Time, strength and ability belong to God because they were purchased at infinite cost, to be used to save and bless others rather than to gratify pride, personal wishes or vanity. Serving others in this way also gives strength and courage and wins God's approval. Because the end approaches stealthily like a thief in the night, those who belong to the light and the day are to stay awake and sober rather than sleep as others do, remaining in the channel of light with eyes on Jesus and working alertly and perseveringly to share present truth while there is still time, for the night is coming when no one can work.
Reflecting heaven-given light means carrying out in life the pure principles of the gospel to honor and glorify God, so that sinners are constrained to confess the difference, which is known by the fruits borne. A name on the church book, honorable position, praise of men, or shut-away monastic sanctity does not make anyone a child of light and gives no power to shun or overcome temptation; becoming a child of light requires a deep work of grace, with the love of God in the heart expressed by obedience and Christ dwelling in the soul by faith giving spiritual power. Selfish and unrighteous works reveal that a person is not living in God's light, while love for God must be shown in deed and truth through receiving renewing grace and the transforming power that leads a person to live as Christ lived. Those who abide in Christ the heavenly Vine receive life from Him and bear vigorous fruit to God's glory, turning from sin and growing in holiness through reverence for God. Christ's character reflected in believers shows heaven's light dwelling in their hearts, with His grace daily conforming them to the divine image, and the more light received by living closely to Jesus the more is imparted to others as channels of light. The righteous and ungodly remain in contact through life's duties until the harvest, and God's people show His praise by reflecting His love and Christlike harmony, giving the world a glimpse of heaven, while by kind, gracious conduct and good works their character shows they have been with Jesus and learned from Him and leads others toward God.
Because believers know the truth for this time about the soon coming of the Saviour, they are in the light while those around them do not know it, and therefore are to stay awake, watch and be sober, discerning the signs of the times and warning others rather than yielding to carnal security or treating the day of the Lord as distant. This work means going out to reach neighbors where they are, including by open-air meetings that can reach some who would not attend a service held in a church. The call to teachers is to stay awake and give a clear warning so people can prepare to stand in that near day which will come like a thief catching the unwatchful unaware. The day of the Lord comes as a thief upon the spiritually unawake, half-asleep, listless and indifferent, but not upon those who are spiritually awake, so those who rejoice in present truth are to share it while probation lingers and there is still time to work before the end steals stealthily like a thief and the night comes when no one can work.
In the judgment those professing the truth are described as children of light and truth and are examined by name. Even as darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people, they can lift their heads and rejoice because redemption is near. Christian life is an active conflict in which there are no spectators, so the church must awake and raise its standard, stay awake and watch rather than let the coming day overtake them like a thief, because neglect can turn its light to darkness. Christ's people are to resist Satan's influence and work to keep what belongs to Christ under His control in the contrast and conflict between good and evil and between the children of light and day and the children of darkness. Fanatical opposition is of darkness, and its departure is followed by sweet peace among the gathered company.