![]() ![]() Going back to Psalm 119, we find purpose statements connected with the illumination verses. If, however, we stop there, we simply have an academic understanding of facts or philosophies, which do no one any good. ![]() Words have meaning, and we must pay attention to the details in those words. ![]() There is no question that God desires us to accurately understand what He has given us. To hear some arguments, it would seem that the whole purpose of illumination is an accurate and academic understanding of God’s Word. One thing that is sometimes overlooked in the discussion of illumination is the purpose of it. Sometimes we have to hear things several times before we actually hear them. This repetition helps us remember and fully hear what God has already told us. As Jesus told His disciples in John 16:12-15, the Spirit simply repeats what the Father and the Son have already said. The Spirit of God will always point us to the Word of God for our instruction. The context here points to the Word of God as that which has been revealed. In 1 Corinthians 2:10-13, God has revealed His plans for us by His Spirit, who teaches us spiritual things. What is the Holy Spirit’s illuminating work in believers? Ephesians 1:17-18 tells us that the Spirit gives wisdom and revelation concerning Jesus Christ, and opens the eyes of understanding so we can know God’s purposes in our lives. This verse does not teach that the Spirit will do so with all believers (though there are other verses that speak of the Spirit’s illuminating work). Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would teach them and remind them of what had been said, so they could give it to others (including the writing of the Gospels). They would relay those things to the rest of the world, and would need God’s special help remembering those things accurately. They had spent three and a half years with Him, watching His miracles and hearing His teachings. This special group of men was to be responsible for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to the whole world. One passage that sometimes stirs controversy regarding illumination is John 14:26, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” Jesus was speaking to His disciples in the upper room, giving them last instructions before His death. Fifteen times in this psalm, God is asked to teach or give understanding regarding His laws. Similarly, verse 73 says, “Your hands made me and formed me give me understanding to learn your commands.” The plea is for personal understanding and application of God’s laws as they are studied by the individual. Verse 18 says, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” These are not new revelations, but things which have been written and revealed long before, and just now understood by the reader (one of those “aha!” moments). In Psalm 119 we also find another type of God’s illumination. This is the first method of God’s illumination and the starting point for us all. Regular study of the Word of God will give direction and understanding in the issues of life. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.” Psalm 119:11 says “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Verses 98 and 99 say “Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. For this reason, we are repeatedly told to study the Word of God. When God’s Word enters the heart of a person, it gives light and understanding to them. In verse 130, it says “The unfolding of your words gives light it gives understanding to the simple.” This verse establishes the basic method of God’s illumination. Psalm 18:28 says, “You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 119, which is the longest chapter in the Bible, is a song about God’s Word. The most basic level of enlightenment is the knowledge of sin, and without that knowledge, everything else is pointless. Regarding illumination of the latter type, the question arises, “How does God do it?” When that enlightenment deals with understanding and applying knowledge already given, we call it illumination. When that enlightenment deals with new knowledge or future things, we call it prophecy. Throughout the ages, people in every culture and religion have claimed some kind of revelation or enlightenment from God (whether true or not). Simply put, illumination in the spiritual sense is “turning on the light” of understanding in some area. ![]()
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