From Darkness to Light: Living as Children of the Lord
Ephesians 5:8 declares: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
This verse captures the radical transformation that occurs in the life of every believer. It does not say we were in darkness, but that we were darkness—our very nature was alienated from God (Ephesians 2:1–3). But through Christ, we are now light in the Lord (John 8:12), called to live in holiness, truth, and love.
The command to “walk as children of light” echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:14–16: “You are the light of the world… let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This is not passive identity; it is active transformation. As 1 Peter 2:9 affirms, we are “called out of darkness into His marvelous light,” to proclaim His praises through righteous living.
Walking in the light means reflecting the character of God—truth, purity, and mercy (1 John 1:5–7). It requires spiritual discernment (Philippians 1:9–11), fruitfulness (Galatians 5:22–23), and rejecting works of darkness (Romans 13:12–14). Yet such a life cannot be lived apart from deep, personal devotion.
Only those who love God with all their heart and soul, keep the commandments of Jesus, and do the will of the Father can fully walk in and reflect the light of Christ. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Therefore, Ephesians 5:8 calls on believers to live out their new identity in Christ every day.This is a call to fear God, love God, hold on to the truth, be holy, keep Christ's commands, and do God's will. This is a bright path that only a truly obedient heart can follow.
