Scripture: John 3:21 (ESV) – “But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
In contrast to those who avoid the light for fear of exposure, Jesus describes those who willingly come into the light. These individuals do not fear the truth because their hearts have been transformed by God. They desire to live in a way that honors Him, and their actions testify to the work of God within them.
The document emphasizes that coming to the light is not about being sinless but about being willing to be exposed and changed by God. Those who “do what is true” are not those who have achieved moral perfection but those who walk in honesty and repentance. Rather than hiding from conviction, they embrace it, trusting that God is at work in them.
John Calvin, in his Commentary on the Gospel of John, highlights that Jesus is not promoting salvation by works in this verse. Instead, He is describing the evidence of a heart changed by God. The phrase “carried out in God” reminds us that any good in us is not from ourselves but from His grace. Calvin also points out that this verse serves as a test of genuine faith—those who truly belong to God desire to live in His light, whereas those who resist the light reveal their rejection of Him.
For us, this verse is an encouragement to live openly before God, allowing His light to shape and refine us. It calls us to daily surrender, trusting that as we walk in truth, our lives will reflect His glory. Rather than fearing exposure, we can rejoice in the transforming work of God in our lives.
Reflection Questions:
- What does it mean to you to “come to the light”? How does this shape your daily walk with God?
- Are there areas of your life where you need to invite God’s light to bring conviction and transformation?
- How does recognizing that our good works are “carried out in God” keep us humble and dependent on Him?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to walk in Your light. Help us to embrace the truth and to trust in Your transforming work in our lives. Give us the humility to bring every part of ourselves into Your presence, allowing You to shape us. May our lives reflect Your grace, and may we always remember that any good in us is the result of Your work. Teach us to live in a way that brings glory to You. In Your name, Amen.
This devotional is based on insights from John Calvin’s commentary on John 3:21.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 