The Nature of Our Former Condition #

Ephesians 5:8 — For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light [live as those who are native-born to the Light]. (AMP)

Ephesians 5:8 does not say we were merely in darkness, but that we were darkness.

The Greek word used here is:

σκότος (skótos) — literal and metaphorical darkness; signifies ignorance, sin, blindness, and separation from the life of God.

This is the condition of all humanity outside of Christ.
We were not just influenced by sin—we embodied it. Our identity was shaped by:

• Spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1–3)
• Alienation from God (Colossians 1:21)
• Bondage to fleshly desires (Romans 6:20)
• Powerlessness to do true good (Romans 3:10–12)

This darkness was not external; it was rooted in the Adamic nature, which came from the Fall (Genesis 3:6–7). From birth, we bear the image of the earthly man (1 Corinthians 15:49a) and walk according to that corrupt nature.

The Change: “But Now…” #

Paul then declares a glorious contrast:

“But now you are light in the Lord.”

This is not moral improvement; it is a total transformation of nature and identity.

The Greek word used for light is:

φῶς (phōs) — meaning light, radiance, clarity, purity, truth, and divine illumination.

Notice that we are not just in the light; we are light, because we are in the Lord.
This union is key:

John 8:12 — “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (AMP)

We now partake in His nature. We no longer walk in confusion or sin, because:

• The old man has been crucified (Romans 6:6)
• We have been raised in newness of life (Romans 6:4)
• Christ now lives in us (Galatians 2:20)
• We are seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6)

This is not futuristic — it is a present spiritual reality that came through Christ’s finished work at the cross and resurrection. The dominion of darkness ended with the destruction of the old covenant through the resurrection of Christ. We now walk in the light of the New Creation.

What It Means to Be “Light in the Lord” #

Being “light” is not merely about having good values or outward behaviour. It means:

• Being a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• Manifesting Christ’s nature and character (Galatians 5:22–23)
• Walking in revealed truth and spiritual discernment (1 John 1:7)

The light reveals — it exposes what is hidden. As Christ is the Light, we now express His light in how we live. This affects:

• Our speech (Ephesians 4:29)
• Our relationships (Ephesians 4:31–32)
• Our inner thoughts and motives (Hebrews 4:12–13)

Paul is calling us to live in a way consistent with who we truly are in Christ. Not striving, but manifesting.

The Call to Walk: Daily Life in the Light #

“Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

The Greek word for “walk” is:

περιπατέω (peripatéō) — to walk about; figuratively, to conduct one’s life consistently.

Walking in light means we intentionally choose to live out of:

• Truth (Ephesians 5:9 — fruit of light includes all goodness, righteousness, and truth)
• Holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16 — be holy in all your conduct)
• Love (Ephesians 5:1–2 — walk in love as Christ loved us)

This walk is not legalistic performance but the result of our new identity.
As children of light, we live differently—not by rule-keeping, but by responding to the indwelling Spirit who leads us in truth (Romans 8:14).

From the Kingdom of Darkness to the Kingdom of His Son #

The change is not only personal, but also covenantal and cosmic. We were rescued from one dominion and placed into another:

Colossians 1:13 — He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. (AMP)

This is a past-tense work — already fulfilled. The dominion of darkness represented the old covenant age, full of shadows (Hebrews 10:1) and veiled glory. Christ’s death tore the veil and opened the way into full light:

Hebrews 10:19–20 — Since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way… let us draw near with a true heart.

Exposing Darkness, Not Partnering with It #

Ephesians 5:11 — Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by contrast]. (AMP)

As light, we do not fight darkness by mimicking it. We overcome by being who we are. The light of Christ in us:

• Exposes lies (John 16:13)
• Reveals hypocrisy (Luke 12:2–3)
• Shines hope into despair (Isaiah 60:1–2)

We must not blend into worldly ways or walk in compromise. Christ’s life in us compels us to walk in purity, in wisdom, and in power.

Christ: The Fulfilment of the Light #

Christ is the fulfilment of all light imagery in the Scriptures.
He is the true Light that enlightens every man (John 1:9). In Him:

• The Law is fulfilled (Romans 10:4)
• The Prophets are fulfilled (Matthew 5:17)
• The Old Covenant is removed (Hebrews 8:13)

Isaiah 9:2 — The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light… (NKJV)

This Light came in Christ’s incarnation, was fully revealed in His resurrection, marking the end of the old Covenant age. We now live in the age of light — the kingdom of the Son.

Key Greek Word Study #

Summary #

1. We were not just in darkness; we were darkness in identity and nature.
2. Through Christ, we are now light in the Lord — a new creation, born of truth.
3. We are called to walk as children of light, revealing Christ’s life in how we live.
4. Christ fulfilled the light foretold by the prophets; we now live in its fullness.
5. Our daily walk should manifest purity, truth, and the radiance of Jesus.
6. We no longer belong to the old age of shadows; we are sons of day and light.

Other Key Scriptures #

1 Thessalonians 5:5 — For you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness. (NASB)

2 Corinthians 4:6 — For God… has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (AMP)

Romans 13:12–13 — The night [the old age] is almost gone and the day has drawn near. Let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light. (AMP)

In Christ,

Shaliach.