Sin; it is the scourge of human beings. Sin distorts life and in one form or another, leads to death. It is often characterized by blackness, whereas purity is pictured as light.
Today, people don't like to think in terms of black and white, because making such distinctions removes excuses and allows one to dodge personal responsibility.
How often have I heard about near death experiences and the descriptions of going to a bright light. Obviously, the light is God and the blackness of death is overcome by the purity of the almighty.
John, the apostle, says...
1 John, Chapter 1 (World English Bible)
5 This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don’t tell the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
I especially enjoy the picture because it seems to transform the blackness all around you into something structured; something that can be understood.
That is what God does; HE transforms one into purity. HE does it through Jesus. And that is as clear as black and white.
The passage of scripture from the first epistle of John is one of my favorites because of its clarity of thought. Again, as clear as black and white. You know, the more I think that way, the closer God seems to be.
I wish that for you all.
Gary