God wants people to see the light, not that they will prefer the darkness. However, because they are fallen creatures, people adore the dark. The Bible states that when light entered the world, mankind preferred darkness over light because of their immoral deeds. According to John 3:19–20, “Everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.”
Living in darkness
Man has lived in darkness under the control of Satan, the prince of darkness, ever since Adam and Eve sinned. The world is referred to as “this present darkness,” and Satan and his minions, or “cosmic powers,” rule it. Since “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all,” this is completely at odds with God (1 John 1: 5).
Jesus came into the world as light
God, however, did not abandon this earth, though. “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness,” declared his son Jesus, who was sent by him (John 12:46). The world can only pray for that. The only hope that can move people from darkness to light is that. The only one who can give us light is God. He is the only source of light. According to 2 Corinthians 4:6, if we are believing, He “has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
Delivered from the domain of darkness
God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and placed us in the kingdom of his loving Son when we have received that light (Colossians 1:13). According to John 8:12, “Whoever follows the Son will have the light of life and not walk in darkness.”
The darkness appeals to the natural man
The darkness appeals to the natural man. Since believers still have to struggle with the old man, it is necessary to warn them “take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11), and to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). We do so enthusiastically, especially because we know that ‘this present darkness’ will last not much longer. Jesus is coming back! “The night is far gone, the day is at hand” (Romans 13:12). Knowing that, the Lord sends us into the world, like he sent Paul, to all people “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith” (Acts 26:18).
God intends for people to receive his light, not for them to prefer the darkness!
