Lesson 5 of 7 — Discipleship
Light and Darkness
The Bible teaches that without Christ, people remain in darkness because of sin. But God, in His mercy, calls people out of darkness and into His marvelous light.
Video teaching coming soon
A short video teaching for this lesson is being prepared. Work through the passages and reflection questions below in the meantime.
Purpose
To understand God's plan of salvation and what it means to move from darkness into light.
Main question
What separates people from God? How can a person truly be saved?
Short explanation
Every person lives in one of two conditions: light or darkness. Darkness represents separation from God, sin, and spiritual blindness. Light represents truth, salvation, forgiveness, and new life in Christ. God does not merely improve our old life. He brings us into a new life. This lesson explains humanity's problem, God's solution, our response, and the meaning of baptism.
Passage blocks
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Romans 3:23 & 6:23
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." — "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Acts 2:38
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 6:3–4
All who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death. Through baptism, we were buried with Him so that just as Christ was raised, we too may live a new life.
Understand
Sin and Its Consequence
The problem is universal: all have sinned. Sin is rebellion against God, rejecting His rule, and falling short of His standard. The result is death — spiritual separation from God. But there is hope: eternal life is a gift through Jesus Christ.
Born Again
Religion is not enough. Good morals are not enough. Being sincere is not enough. Jesus teaches that people need spiritual rebirth — receiving new life from God, being changed from within, and beginning a new relationship with Him. Not self-improvement — transformation through God.
Baptism and New Life
Baptism is connected to Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It represents dying to the old life, burial of the old self, and rising to walk in newness of life. Salvation is grounded in Christ's finished work and received through faith that responds in obedience.
Reflection
Have I truly understood the seriousness of sin? Do I see my need for Jesus? Have I responded to the gospel with faith and repentance? Am I walking in the light, or still holding on to darkness? Have I obeyed God in baptism?
Challenge
Read these passages again slowly. Thank Jesus for His death and resurrection. Respond in faith and repentance. Obey Him fully. Continue in His Word and in fellowship with His people.
Prayer
God, thank You for calling people out of darkness into Your light. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for sin and rise again. Help me respond with faith, repentance, and obedience. Lead me into the new life You have given. Amen.
Continue to Lesson 6
You have completed Lesson 5 of 7. Continue to the next lesson when you are ready.