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 DARKNESS.

A Biblical Look At Five Aspects of Darkness.


To understand where you truly stand before God, we invite you to honestly examine these five areas of darkness:

  • Ignorance

  • Unbelief

  • Denominationalism (Division)

  • Lukewarmness

  • Sin in General

Each section below explains why this darkness is serious and how God calls you into the light. 

IGNORANCE

 

Timothy 4:3–4

“They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

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Unbelief - Refusing the Shepherd's Voice

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John 12:40

“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts…”

Denominationalism: Divided Flocks

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Jude 1:19

“These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.”

Lukewarmness: Half-Hearted in the Wilderness

John 10:10, Psalms 16:11

“I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

“In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Sin: The Pigpen of Rebellion

Psalms 119:105, Jeremiah 17:7-8

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

“He shall be like a tree planted by the waters… and will not fear when heat comes.”

1. IGNORANCE​

The Bible repeatedly warns that ignorance is a darkness that leads to destruction. As God declared:

 

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” — Hosea 4:6

Today, in an age of confusion and spiritual apathy, this warning rings louder than ever.

​Why Ignorance Is So Harmful ?​

1. Ignorance Leads to Destruction

Hosea 4:6

Without God’s truth, people fall into sin, confusion, and spiritual ruin — just as Israel did when they ignored God’s covenant. Ignorance still destroys today, personally and collectively.

2. Satan Uses Ignorance to Deceive

2 Corinthians 4:4

When people lack truth, they become easy prey for false teachings, worldly thinking, and spiritual blindness. Satan thrives wherever God’s Word is neglected.

3. Ignorance Breeds Division, Lukewarmness, and Unbelief

Mark 3:25; Revelation 3:16

Shallow knowledge produces lukewarm faith, enables division, and fuels unbelief. These darknesses weaken God’s people just as they did in the first century.

4. Ignorance Prevents Spiritual Growth — and Threatens Eternal Life

John 17:3

Knowing God is the essence of salvation. Ignorance leaves believers immature, vulnerable (Ephesians 4:14), and disconnected from the abundant life God intends.

5. God Commands Knowledge, Not Ignorance

2 Timothy 2:15; Psalm 1:1–3

God calls His people to study, meditate, and rightly divide His Word. Those who do are like trees planted by water — stable, nourished, and fruitful.

God’s Solution to Ignorance

  • Study His Word diligently (2 Timothy 2:15)

  • Meditate daily (Psalm 1:1–3)

  • Follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance (Romans 8:13–14)

  • Seek wisdom with urgency (Proverbs 4:7)

       

   These practices bring believers out of darkness into understanding, strength, and light.

Final Warning

Ignorance is not harmless, neutral, or excusable:

  • Ignorance is bondage — keeping people trapped in deception.

  • Ignorance is destructive — leading to spiritual ruin.

  • Ignorance is a choice — and God calls us to reject it.

“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32

Now is the time to pursue the knowledge of God with passion and purpose.

God calls His people to study, meditate, and rightly divide His Word. Those who do are like trees planted by water — stable, nourished, and fruitful. 

 The biblical sense, is far more than a mere lack of information—it’s a spiritual peril that threatens to unravel faith, fracture communities, and lead souls astray​

The Bible repeatedly warns against ignorance, portraying it as a darkness that breeds division, lukewarmness, unbelief, and sin, ultimately leading to destruction. As Hosea 4:6 declares, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you.” ​

This sobering truth underscores the urgency of confronting ignorance in our lives and churches, especially in an age of rampant misinformation and spiritual apathy. Below, we explore why ignorance is so dangerous and how God’s Word calls us to overcome it through diligent pursuit of His truth.

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2. UNBELIEF

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Unbelief is more than doubt — it is a refusal to trust God, even when His truth has been revealed. Scripture shows that unbelief leads people away from God’s promises and into spiritual ruin.

 

“Beware… lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief.” — Hebrews 3:12

Why Unbelief Is Dangerous ?

1. Unbelief Blocks God’s Blessings

Because of unbelief, many in Israel failed to enter God’s rest (Hebrews 3:19). Jesus Himself could do few mighty works in Nazareth because of their unbelief (Mark 6:5–6).
Unbelief shuts the door that faith opens.

2. Unbelief Hardens the Heart

Unbelief blinds and desensitises. The more it grows, the harder it becomes to repent. Pharaoh’s story shows how unbelief can calcify into rebellion.

3. Unbelief Leads to Disobedience

Where there is no trust, there is no obedience. Jesus asked, “Why call Me ‘Lord’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

4. Unbelief Endangers Salvation

Faith is essential to salvation (Hebrews 11:6; John 3:18). Unbelief leaves the soul spiritually dead — without hope and without God.

God’s Solution to Unbelief

  • Hear the Word of God continually (Romans 10:17)

  • Pray, “Lord, I believe — help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

  • Act on what you know (John 7:17)

  • Look to Christ as the author and finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:2)

Final Thought

Unbelief is not a harmless feeling — it is a barrier between the soul and God.
Turn from it today, and walk by faith into His marvellous light.

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3. Denominationalism

Guarding Against Division in the Church: Embracing the Light of Unity

The Darkness of Division.

 

  • Division within the church stems from pride, ignorance, misunderstandings, and an overemphasis on man-made traditions over biblical truth. This fragmentation creates discord, undermines the church’s credibility, and obscures the gospel’s message. Jesus warned that a house divided against itself cannot stand (Mark 3:25). 

 

  • When believers prioritise denominational loyalties over the unity of Christ’s body, they walk in darkness, distancing themselves from the oneness God desires.

  • “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” — 1 Corinthians 1:10.

  • Division not only weakens the church internally but also harms its witness to the world. Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). A divided church sends a confusing message to unbelievers, diminishing its ability to fulfil the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Jesus’ Prayer for Unity

 

  • In His final moments before the crucifixion, Jesus prayed passionately for the unity of His followers. In John 17:20-23, He said: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

 

  • This prayer reveals the heart of Christ’s desire: a church united in love and purpose, reflecting the perfect oneness of the Father and the Son. Unity is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate, essential for the world to recognize the truth of the gospel.

The Way to Unity: Christ’s Church

  • Jesus not only prayed for unity but also established the means to achieve it through His church. In Matthew 16:18, He declared, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Through His death and resurrection, Jesus broke down barriers that divide humanity, creating “one new man” through the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16). The church is designed to be one body, united under one Lord, one faith, and one baptism (Ephesians 4:4-6).

 

  • “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” — Colossians 3:15

  • By submitting to Christ’s authority and adhering to His teachings, believers can overcome the darkness of denominationalism and embrace the unity of His church.

Guarding Against Division

  • To guard against the darkness of division, believers must prioritize biblical truth over human traditions. Paul condemned divisions caused by elevating personalities or preferences, urging the church to focus on Christ alone (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). Unity requires humility, patience, and a commitment to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).

 

   •    The apostles’ teachings emphasize that the church is one body with many members, each contributing to the whole (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). By                  focusing on shared faith in Christ and rejecting sectarianism, believers can walk in the light of His truth. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the light of the                world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). This light dispels the confusion and discord of division,              guiding the church toward unity.

The Call to Unity

  • The church is called to be “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people” (1 Peter 2:9), proclaiming God’s praises by walking in His marvelous light. Division dims this light, but unity amplifies it, enabling the church to shine brightly in a world desperate for hope. By forsaking denominationalism and embracing the oneness Christ prayed for, believers can fulfill their calling to glorify God and reach the lost.

 

  • Let us heed Jesus’ call to come home to His church, united in truth and love. By guarding against the darkness of division, we can reflect the unity of the Father and the Son, proclaiming the gospel with power and authenticity to a watching world.

 

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4. Lukewarmness

From a Biblical Perspective

Isn’t Lukewarmness Dangerous?​

Lukewarmness is a state of spiritual complacency—neither fully committed to God nor completely rejecting Him. It is one of the most perilous conditions a believer can fall into, as it gives the illusion of faith while lacking genuine passion, obedience, and devotion. The Bible repeatedly and strongly warns against lukewarmness, showing that it leads to spiritual blindness, compromise, ineffectiveness, and even rejection by Christ.

Why Lukewarmness Should Be Avoided ?

  • Jesus Strongly Condemns Lukewarmness

  1. “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:16)

  2. A lukewarm believer is repulsive to God because they claim faith but live in spiritual indifference.

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  • Lukewarmness Leads to Spiritual Blindness and Self-Deception

 

  1.  “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realise that you are     wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:17)

  2. Lukewarm believers think they are spiritually fine, but they are actually in deep danger. 

  • Lukewarmness Breeds Compromise with the World

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  1. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other.” (Matthew 6:24)

  2. Those who try to live half for God and half for the world end up serving neither faithfully.

  • Lukewarm Faith Is Ineffective and Powerless

 

  1. ​“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.” (2 Timothy 3:5, NLT) 

  2. Lukewarmness lacks the fire of the Holy Spirit, resulting in prayerlessness, compromise, and a lack of spiritual impact.

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  • Lukewarmness Can Lead to Total Rejection by Christ
  1. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father.” (Matthew 7:21)

  2. Many who think they are “Christian enough” will be shocked when they face Christ’s judgment.

The Biblical Solution to Lukewarmness​

Since lukewarmness is so dangerous, God calls His people to:

 

​✔ Fully Commit to God (Luke 10:27) – Love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
✔ Be Passionate in Your Faith (Romans 12:11) – “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.”
✔ Stay in God’s Word Daily (Psalms 1:1-3) – To grow strong and fruitful.
✔ Reject Compromise with the World (James 4:4) – Friendship with the world is enmity with God.

Final Warning: Lukewarmness Is Not an Option​

Since lukewarmness is so dangerous and should be avoided at all costs, believers must repent and return to God with full devotion.

  • Lukewarmness is not safety—it is deception.

  • Lukewarmness is not neutral—it is rebellion.

  • Lukewarmness is not acceptable—it is a rejection of God’s call.

 Now is the time to seek God with all your heart!  No more half-hearted faith—God deserves our all.

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5. Sin 

 

1 John 3:4 (ESV): “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.”

James 4:17 (ESV): “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”

Putting those together: sin is violation of God’s moral law — active lawlessness (doing what God forbids) — and also culpable omission (knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it). Sin is therefore both wrongful action and willful failure to do good.

How Proverbs 14:34 shows sin’s effect on humanity.

 

  • Proverbs 14:34 (ESV): “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
    This proverb speaks to corporate and public consequences: when righteousness (justice, faithfulness, obedience to God’s ways) shapes a society, it flourishes; when sin is widespread, it brings dishonour, decay, broken institutions, and suffering. Sin is not merely private — it shapes families, communities, economies, and nations.

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 1. Biblical examples

 

  • Adam and Eve (Genesis 3): The first disobedience brought alienation, a curse, and a fallen condition that affects all humanity.​​

  • Cain and Abel (Genesis 4): One man’s jealousy led to murder, and sin had a profound impact on the family, introducing the tragic act of fratricide.

  • Israel’s idolatry and exile (e.g., 2 Kings, Jeremiah): national unfaithfulness to God produced prophetic warnings, judgment, and eventual exile — demonstrating how corporate sin bri ​

  • David’s adultery and the subsequent fallout (2 Samuel 11–12): Personal sin led to family tragedy and political instability.

 

2. Historical examples

  • Slavery and the transatlantic slave trade: a systemic and institutionalised evil that dishonoured nations, left intergenerational trauma, injustice, and persistent social and economic wounds — a “reproach” in the sense of lasting national disgrace and moral debt.

  • Totalitarian atrocities (e.g., Nazi Germany, Stalinist purges, Rwandan genocide): ideological hatred, pride, and dehumanisation led to mass murder and moral collapse of institutions. These are extreme demonstrations of communal sin producing catastrophic harm.

  • Corporate fraud and corruption (e.g., Enron-era corporate fraud): greed and deceit brought economic collapse, loss of trust, and harm to many families and communities.

3. Modern-day examples

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  • Systemic injustice and racism: structural sin that undermines national integrity, producing inequality, unrest, and lasting distrust.

  • Human trafficking and exploitation: an ongoing violation of human dignity that stains societies morally and legally.

  • Environmental destruction and climate negligence: widespread greed and short-termism that harms the poor disproportionately and degrades the created order — a communal consequence of sinful priorities.

  • Erosion of truth and civic virtue (corruption, widespread dishonesty): weakens institutions, polarizes societies, and makes healthy public life difficult.

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 4. Practical implication/application

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  • Suppose sin is both lawlessness and failure to do good. In that case, the remedy includes confession and repentance (both individual and corporate), the active pursuit of righteousness (justice, mercy, and humility), and concrete acts of repair (such as justice initiatives, caring for victims, policy reforms, and stewardship of creation). Proverbs 14:34 calls believers and communities to promote righteousness so that nations are exalted rather than reproached. 

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