John 1:9 - Homiletics

The true Light in its manifestation.

I. THE NATURE OF THIS LIGHT . "There was the true Light."

1 . Christ was the true Light, as opposed to false or imperfect lights. He was the ideal Light, not subject to the vicissitudes of time and space.

2 . He was the true Light in opposition to ceremonial types and shadows.

3 . He was the true Light in opposition to all light that is borrowed from or communicated from another.

II. THE EXTENT OF THIS LIGHT IN ITS ACTION . "It lighteth every man." "The darkness is past: the true Light now shineth." In a strict sense, all men receive the light of reason, and the consciousness of right and wrong; but, biblically considered Christ shines sufficiently for the salvation of all men, both Jews and Gentiles, so as to leave them without excuse if in their blindness they refuse to see him.

III. ITS PROGRESS . It was ever "coming into the world." In prophecy, type, creed, judgment.