“But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”” (Ephesians 5:13–14)

Last time, we talked a little bit about the beginning of verse 13 and the need to expose the shameful works of darkness.

When anything is exposed to light, it becomes visible. It’s important in some sense to expose the unfruitful works that are done secretly, to be exposed for what they really are.

Paul writes in verse 14 that anything that becomes visible is light. He then quotes something from somewhere. I say it that way because I can’t find any passage of scripture that has this direct quote. It appears to be a blend of several passages and Paul may have found it in some other early writings that don’t exist today.

In any case, the call is to wake up! Be alert to what is going on. Don’t stay among the dead. You have new life. Walk in the light where Christ’s light is shining on you.

I like the passages in 1 John that speak to this. God is light and there is no darkness in him (1:5).

If we claim to have fellowship with God while we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth (1:6).

If we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another and Jesus’ blood cleanses us from all sin (1:7).

I think John’s teaching here parallels with Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 5:14. Don’t stay in the darkness where the evil shameful things are taking place. Rather, step outside that arena and let the light of the gospel shine on your life. Let the light of Christ shine on those secret places in your own heart that no one else knows but you alone. Walk in that light and you will find life, fellowship, and forgiveness!

---