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Bible Studies/Asking about the word "light"

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Question
Dear Sir,

English is not my native language. However, I am writing a song and am concerned about this particular line.

The song is about my late father. At the end, I write in my native language: "May you bring the light to heaven above / Wherever you might be, your love is still here."

May I ask if the word "light" is appropriate for a person, or is it just for Jesus or God?

Thank you.

Answer
Dear Colin,

Thank you for your question as to whether or not it is appropriate to apply the word "light" to a person...and in this case, to one who is dead. Let me share with you 4 texts of Scripture, and then I'll let you decide:

John 8:12  Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

John 9:3  Jesus answered,... John 9:5  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

1Jn 1:5  This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

Rev 21:23  The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.

The "Lamb" is a revelation symbol for Jesus. This symbol was actually introduced by John the Baptist when Jesus appeared to be baptized:

John 1:29  The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Reading the Bible is so important to the Christian. It would be very difficult to maintain a saving relationship with God without it. And learning about God and His requirements for us would be nearly impossible without some connection with God’s Holy Word.

Actually, if we watch for Him, we’ll find Jesus Christ in almost every passage of the Old and New Testaments. Sometimes He’s known as the Creator (cf. John 1:1-4, 10, 14); sometimes He’s known as “the Angel of the LORD” (Ex. 3:1-14; cf. John 8:56-58); sometimes He’s known as the “servant” (Isa. 52:13-53:12); and sometimes as the Messiah. Often He’s behind the scenes, working through those who live according to His will.

If you have difficulty understanding the Bible, there are many aids available to help you do this, (see list below). But above all, read your Bible for yourself, and pray that God will help you understand it.

Feel free to visit Bibleinfo.com with other Bible Questions.

Stay close to Jesus.

Thurman C. Petty, Jr.
PettyPress@gmail.com
www.PettyPress.com (43 Bible lessons; 20 Books; more)

Sources of Bible study aids and answers for your questions.
Mail order Bible lessons: Amazing Facts Bible Lessons, PO Box 1058, Roseville, CA 95678
Telephone questions answered: 3ABN 1-800-752-3226 (pastoral dept., ext. 1)
On-line: Bibleinfo.com; Itiswritten.com (Bible studies/Discover Bible Guides)
Television networks: HOPE Channel (Direct TV #368); 3ABN (Dish Network #9710)  

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Thurman C. Petty, Jr.

Expertise

I`ve been a Pastor and Bible teacher for 40 years.

Experience

I`m a writer--author of 18 Bible-based books and over 200 journal articles. Web site: www.PettyPress.com where a lot of my books and writings are posted. I've been married to the same lovely lady for 49 years. We're more in love now than when we married. My wife and I were missionaries to Pitcairn Island, in the South Pacific, from 1982-1984.

Organizations
I've been a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church since the age of 9.

Publications
Books: Pacific Press Publishing Association; Review & Herald Publishing Association; PettyPress. Number of titles published: 16. Journal Articles: Adventist Review; Signs of the Times; Guide Magazine; Ministry: A Journal for Clergy; Sabbath School Leadership; The Youth's Instructor; Student Movement; Cord, and others. Total Journal articles: over 200. Web Site: www.PettyPress.com. Contents: 18 of my books; 41 Bible study guides; over 30 sermons; Stories; poems; links to other sites, etc. E-mail address: PettyPress@gmail.com

Education/Credentials
I have a BA and a Master`s degree--both degrees are in Biblical studies.

Awards and Honors
I was awarded the "Golden Cord" from my Alma Mater, Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, for my foreign mission service.

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