NIV version
20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
The context is Jesus´discourse with respect to Nicodemus´ question(s). My question is as follows:
1. In verse 20, why does Jesus say "everyone" who does evil will not come into the light? Evil doing non-believers come to Christ ... don´t they? Some believers are trapped in evil sins (i.e. some do evil sometimes), yet some also repent ... what does that mean? What is evil? Are all sins equally evil?
Thanks so much for the assistance. These questions came up in our family Bible study today.
I tend to agree with dcyates (#2), but I'll answer the questions you pose in my own words...
First off, I'd like to quote John 3:20 from a more accurate translation, in this case the NKJV:
John 3:20
"For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed."
You see the difference? It says "
does not come to the light" -- not
"
will not come into the light". (Other more accurate versions are similar, e.g., HCSB, ESV.)
1. So my take on this is that anyone, while practicing evil (present tense), doesn't come to the light because the light would expose his evil deeds. Personalize it. For example, if you were stealing, you wouldn't do it in plain sight where others could catch you.
2. Yes, evil-doing non-believers do come to Christ. We were all evil-doing non-believers at some point. Also, don't confuse "coming to Christ" as "entering the light". Hopefully the point I made in answer (1) makes the distinction. I don't think this verse is using "light" as a euphemism for "salvation".
3. "Some believers are trapped in evil sins (i.e. some do evil sometimes), yet some also repent ... what does that mean?" I'm not sure what you're asking. Yes, you can allow sin to gain a stronghold in your life so that you're virtually powerless to resist (e.g., drug addicts). But it's also true that the trapped can repent (which literally means to turn one's mind 180 degrees and move in the opposite direction). Repentance is required for salvation regardless of one's circumstances, and regardless of whether or not a person is trapped. (The power of God can help release the trapped person.)
4. "What is evil?" In general, evil is something that is morally wrong. As regards Christianity, evil can probably be more specifically defined as anything that is contrary to God's will and/or nature. So a Christian can do evil, and a non-Christian can do good. Fortunately, it's not our works that save or condemn us but rather our relationship with Jesus. (Eph. 2:8-9 --> "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.")
5. "Are all sins equally evil?" Yes and no. They are equally evil in the sense that, without Christ, one sin -- any sin -- condemns you. And they are equally evil in the sense that any sin affects a Christian's fellowship with God. Otoh, all sins are not equally evil in terms of their consequences. Obviously, there are greater consequences to my murdering someone versus telling a lie.
I'm very pleased to hear that you're having family Bible studies
. Keep up the good work.
