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“Go On Walking as Children of Light”The Watchtower—1976 | May 15
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2. (a) For whom was the true light to be made available? (b) Who did, and who did not, accept the light bearer, Jesus?
2 John then makes some illuminating remarks that will help those who perhaps are uncertain as to what steps to take to escape from the realm of darkness under Satan’s authority. He shows that it is our own attitude and response that is the determining factor in benefiting from the light, rather than our background or past experience or natural temperament. In fact, we might have a most favorable background and yet not accept the light, as John pointed out. Showing first that the light was to be available to all, without discrimination, he said: “The true light that gives light to every sort of man was about to come into the world.” After saying that the world of mankind in general “did not know him,” or recognize Jesus for what he was, John then continued: “He [Jesus] came to his own home, but his own people did not take him in. However, as many as did receive him, to them he gave authority to become God’s children, because they were exercising faith in his name.”—John 1:9-13.
3. (a) What responsibility rested on that generation of Jews? (b) How were those blessed who received Jesus, and on what basis?
3 What a masterly summary of the situation! Why, of course, that generation of Jews had the best background, and their past experience gave them the best reasons for accepting Jesus as their heaven-sent Messiah, the One to whom the Law pointed. (Rom. 10:4) By his human birth Jesus was one of them, born in their own home so to speak, yet he was rejected by the majority of them. The bad attitude of the majority was further shown up in contrast with the good attitude of those who did receive him, appreciating that “he was full of undeserved kindness and truth.” Note, too, that the responsive ones were given “authority to become God’s children, because they were exercising faith in his name.” That is, faith in what his name stood for, the One who provided “the release [from condemnation] by ransom through the blood of that one,” and through our exercising “faith in his blood.”—John 1:12, 14; Eph. 1:5-7; Rom. 3:25; Acts 4:12.
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“Go On Walking as Children of Light”The Watchtower—1976 | May 15
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5. What important principle did Jesus state, and how does it operate?
5 Jesus next stated an important principle: “Now this is the basis for judgment, that the light has come into the world but men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked.” That “basis for judgment” is as true today as when it was first spoken, and it operates the same way. He that deliberately “practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, in order that his works may not be reproved,” as Jesus explained. That is the reason why “his own people did not take him in.” They, and especially their leaders, acting as “blind guides,” did not want to be exposed or disturbed in their preference for tradition and hypocrisy. A similar situation obtains today, especially in Christendom.—John 1:11; 3:19-21; Matt. 15:7-9; 23:16-26.
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