AWAKE TO THE LIGHT

“Therefore He says: “AWAKE, you who sleep, ARISE from the dead, and CHRIST will give you LIGHT” – Ephesian 5:14

As Saints in the Light, Believers in Christ are called to AWAKE to THE LIGHT: “Therefore He says: “AWAKE, you who sleep, ARISE from the dead, and CHRIST will give you LIGHT” (Eph.5:14). The New International Version exclaims, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” The phrase “Wake up, sleeper” describes the sinner who is asleep in the darkness of sin and unaware of his lost condition and tragic destiny. “Rise from the dead” is a summons to repent from the ways of sin that lead to death. Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.”

Paul concluded his contrast of darkness and light with the statement, “whatever makes manifest is Light” (v.13b). Believers are called “children of light” in different parts of Scripture (Mt.5:14; 1The.5:5; Phi.2:15). Paul here invites those who are not children of light to come to the light and be saved. When sin is exposed, transformation can take place and sins can be forgiven. Unbelievers are asleep and dead to the truth about their spiritual state and eternal destiny and would end up in hell if they do not repent of their sins and believe in Jesus. The gospel convicts of sinfulness and need for a Saviour, and converts, waking people up and saving them. It also enlightens them to follow the Lord. We who have been saved are called to be a light in the dark world so that the power of the gospel can shine through us.

Paul’s call for Believers to awaken from sleep and to receive the Light of Christ, underscores the reality of what the Gospel does and the power it possesses to illuminate and transform lives from darkness to light. Additionally, it summarizes what Believers are to do – shine as the light of the Gospel! Paul urged his readers to imitate Christ, living godly lives and avoiding sinful deeds. Through the metaphor of light and darkness, he contrasts the old life with the new one in Christ. Light symbolizes the truth of Christ and His gospel. This light exposes the evil deeds of people, revealing their real nature. The light of Christ’s truth and righteousness makes all things clear, including good and evil. In summary: Ephesians 5:14 serves as a general call to every human to turn from sin to Christ.

Paul constantly cautioned churches to wake up and be vigilant: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (vv.15-16). God’s call is first, for unbelievers to awaken to His truth through the power of the gospel; and for believers to live vigilant, godly, and wise lives. Paul gives a similar exhortation to the “sleeping” Believers in Rome (Rom.13:11-12).