Does "enlightened" mean saved?

[Calminian]

The passages from John I'll be highlighting below were not received well (by some) in a previous thread. By that, I mean, they were virtually ignored and cast aside as irrelevant. This is amazing, as these passages hold they key to understanding the doctrine of enlightenment.

Here are the actual passages.

John 1:6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came for a witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light. (emphasis mine)

John 1:9 There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (emphasis mine)​

John 12:35 Jesus therefore said to them, “For a little while longer the light is among you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness may not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. 36 “While you have the light, believe in the light, in order that you may become sons of light.” (emphasis mine)​

Here are some of the truths about light and enlightenment we glean from these passages.

• Light and enlightenment are metaphors for knowledge.
• Jesus is the true light who enlightens.
• Enlightenment comes (in some way) to every man.
• Enlightenment comes before faith.
• Enlightenment must be responded to while it remains.
• Only those who respond to enlightenment with belief, become saved.
• Enlightenment itself, therefore, is not synonymous with salvation.

Very simple and straightforward. These passages are key in understanding the doctrine of enlightenment and should give us insight into other passages in the Bible which speak of individuals being once enlightened, such as Hebrews 6:4-9, Hebrews 10:26-39, 2Peter 2:20-22.

Heb. 6:4 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and put Him to open shame.​

So do these hypothetical individuals lose (fall away from) their salvation? No, as it doesn't appear any salvation terms are used here.

Do they keep their salvation? No, as there is no indication they ever responded to their enlightenment with belief, and were ever saved.

Then what did they fall away from? In a phrase, the truth! Jesus brought light (truth) to the world—to "every man." This is not to say that all men know the truth all the time, but it does seem to say all men (all adults), at some point, receive some kind of illumination from God, either about their need for Jesus or about their need to seek out further truth. When they receive this, they are obligated to respond with faith while it remains. If they respond in continual unbelief, they are in grave danger of losing this illumination, and by extension their opportunity to believe. Peter says it this way:

2Pet. 2:20 For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them.​

To recap, John's Gospel tells us what happens to those who respond to enlightenment with belief. They become children of God, and sons of Light.

Hebrews 6, 10 and 2Peter 2, on the other hand, tell us what happens to those who don't respond in genuine belief. They become darkened to the truth with no other hope (which is quite terrifying). But they also let us know that this fate is not the fate of true believers.

Heb. 6:9 But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way.

Heb. 10:39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.​

I would submit, therefore, that it is impossible to have have an intelligent conversation about the meaning of enlightenment in Hebrews 6 and 10, apart from a discussion about John 1 and 12 (and many other verses in John).

So, tell me why I'm wrong.

 

[37818]

Does "enlightened" mean saved?
No.
". . . the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. . . ." -- John 1:9-10.

 

[mailmandan]

John 1:9 describes Jesus as the "true Light," giving light "to every man," but this cannot mean the light of salvation, because not every man is saved. The light either leads to the acceptance of Jesus Christ or results in condemnation for those who reject the light.

 

[Revmitchell]

The passages from John I'll be highlighting below were not received well (by some) in a previous thread. By that, I mean, they were virtually ignored and cast aside as irrelevant. This is amazing, as these passages hold they key to understanding the doctrine of enlightenment.

Here are the actual passages.

John 1:6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came for a witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light. (emphasis mine)

John 1:9 There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (emphasis mine)​

John 12:35 Jesus therefore said to them, “For a little while longer the light is among you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness may not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. 36 “While you have the light, believe in the light, in order that you may become sons of light.” (emphasis mine)​

Here are some of the truths about light and enlightenment we glean from these passages.

• Light and enlightenment are metaphors for knowledge.
• Jesus is the true light who enlightens.
• Enlightenment comes (in some way) to every man.
• Enlightenment comes before faith.
• Enlightenment must be responded to while it remains.
• Only those who respond to enlightenment with belief, become saved.
• Enlightenment itself, therefore, is not synonymous with salvation.

Very simple and straightforward. These passages are key in understanding the doctrine of enlightenment and should give us insight into other passages in the Bible which speak of individuals being once enlightened, such as Hebrews 6:4-9, Hebrews 10:26-39, 2Peter 2:20-22.

Heb. 6:4 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and put Him to open shame.​

So do these hypothetical individuals lose (fall away from) their salvation? No, as it doesn't appear any salvation terms are used here.

Do they keep their salvation? No, as there is no indication they ever responded to their enlightenment with belief, and were ever saved.

Then what did they fall away from? In a phrase, the truth! Jesus brought light (truth) to the world—to "every man." This is not to say that all men know the truth all the time, but it does seem to say all men (all adults), at some point, receive some kind of illumination from God, either about their need for Jesus or about their need to seek out further truth. When they receive this, they are obligated to respond with faith while it remains. If they respond in continual unbelief, they are in grave danger of losing this illumination, and by extension their opportunity to believe. Peter says it this way:

2Pet. 2:20 For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them.​

To recap, John's Gospel tells us what happens to those who respond to enlightenment with belief. They become children of God, and sons of Light.

Hebrews 6, 10 and 2Peter 2, on the other hand, tell us what happens to those who don't respond in genuine belief. They become darkened to the truth with no other hope (which is quite terrifying). But they also let us know that this fate is not the fate of true believers.

Heb. 6:9 But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way.

Heb. 10:39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.​

I would submit, therefore, that it is impossible to have have an intelligent conversation about the meaning of enlightenment in Hebrews 6 and 10, apart from a discussion about John 1 and 12 (and many other verses in John).

So, tell me why I'm wrong.

There is no doctrine of "enlightenment" except what you have made up in your mind.

 

[Hollow Man]

The passages from John I'll be highlighting below were not received well (by some) in a previous thread. By that, I mean, they were virtually ignored and cast aside as irrelevant. This is amazing, as these passages hold they key to understanding the doctrine of enlightenment.

Here are the actual passages.

John 1:6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came for a witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light. (emphasis mine)

John 1:9 There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (emphasis mine)​

John 12:35 Jesus therefore said to them, “For a little while longer the light is among you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness may not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. 36 “While you have the light, believe in the light, in order that you may become sons of light.” (emphasis mine)​

Here are some of the truths about light and enlightenment we glean from these passages.

• Light and enlightenment are metaphors for knowledge.
• Jesus is the true light who enlightens.
• Enlightenment comes (in some way) to every man.
• Enlightenment comes before faith.
• Enlightenment must be responded to while it remains.
• Only those who respond to enlightenment with belief, become saved.
• Enlightenment itself, therefore, is not synonymous with salvation.

Very simple and straightforward. These passages are key in understanding the doctrine of enlightenment and should give us insight into other passages in the Bible which speak of individuals being once enlightened, such as Hebrews 6:4-9, Hebrews 10:26-39, 2Peter 2:20-22.

Heb. 6:4 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and put Him to open shame.​

So do these hypothetical individuals lose (fall away from) their salvation? No, as it doesn't appear any salvation terms are used here.

Do they keep their salvation? No, as there is no indication they ever responded to their enlightenment with belief, and were ever saved.

Then what did they fall away from? In a phrase, the truth! Jesus brought light (truth) to the world—to "every man." This is not to say that all men know the truth all the time, but it does seem to say all men (all adults), at some point, receive some kind of illumination from God, either about their need for Jesus or about their need to seek out further truth. When they receive this, they are obligated to respond with faith while it remains. If they respond in continual unbelief, they are in grave danger of losing this illumination, and by extension their opportunity to believe. Peter says it this way:

2Pet. 2:20 For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them.​

To recap, John's Gospel tells us what happens to those who respond to enlightenment with belief. They become children of God, and sons of Light.

Hebrews 6, 10 and 2Peter 2, on the other hand, tell us what happens to those who don't respond in genuine belief. They become darkened to the truth with no other hope (which is quite terrifying). But they also let us know that this fate is not the fate of true believers.

Heb. 6:9 But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way.

Heb. 10:39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.​

I would submit, therefore, that it is impossible to have have an intelligent conversation about the meaning of enlightenment in Hebrews 6 and 10, apart from a discussion about John 1 and 12 (and many other verses in John).

So, tell me why I'm wrong.

I agree with you. The first passage that comes to my mind is the passage from Hebrews 6, which is pretty clearly talking about those who heard the Gospel but did not respond or could not respond.

 

[Calminian]

There is no doctrine of "enlightenment" except what you have made up in your mind.

Doctrine just means teaching. Of course there is teaching about enlightenment in Scripture.

 

[HankD]

Doctrine just means teaching. Of course there is teaching about enlightenment in Scripture.

Psalm 18:28 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness

Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

John 1:9 There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.

Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

photozo
[UBS] give light to, light, shine on; bring to light, reveal, make known; enlighten, illumine (inwardly)

 

[mailmandan]

I agree with you. The first passage that comes to my mind is the passage from Hebrews 6, which is pretty clearly talking about those who heard the Gospel but did not respond or could not respond.

Yes, enlightenment is exposure to truth, but exposure to truth does not guarantee reception of the truth. Thorns and thistles and falling away with the impossibility of being renewed again to repentance does not accompany salvation. (Hebrews 6:6-9) Spurious repentance yields thorns and thistles, but genuine repentance that is accompanied by saving faith brings forth vegetation. As we can see from Hebrews 6:7-8, the picture is not a field that had vegetation then lost it, but of two different fields, in which one brings forth vegetation/produces a crop that is useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled and receives a blessing from God, but the other is barren and near to being cursed, in which its end is to be burned.

 

[Revmitchell]

Doctrine just means teaching. Of course there is teaching about enlightenment in Scripture.

It does mean teaching but it doesnt mean "just teaching". It is not a common thing taught. Its something you made up

 

[Calminian]

It does mean teaching but it doesnt mean "just teaching". It is not a common thing taught. Its something you made up

It's something I've derived from Scripture. It's very common. I've cited several passages. You're welcome to tell me where I've gone wrong.

 

[Revmitchell]

It's something I've derived from Scripture. It's very common. I've cited several passages. You're welcome to tell me where I've gone wrong.

Already did you went wrong when you called it a doctrine

 

[Calminian]

Already did you went wrong when you called it a doctrine

Enlightenment is not a common teaching in Scripture. Got it! Thanks for your contribution.

 

[Calminian]

Yes, enlightenment is exposure to truth, but exposure to truth does not guarantee reception of the truth. Thorns and thistles and falling away with the impossibility of being renewed again to repentance does not accompany salvation. (Hebrews 6:6-9) Spurious repentance yields thorns and thistles, but genuine repentance that is accompanied by saving faith brings forth vegetation. As we can see from Hebrews 6:7-8, the picture is not a field that had vegetation then lost it, but of two different fields, in which one brings forth vegetation/produces a crop that is useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled and receives a blessing from God, but the other is barren and near to being cursed, in which its end is to be burned.

And definitely a parallel thought in Hebrews 10.

Heb. 10:32 But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly, by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners, and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one.​

The author contrasts the two response to enlightenment, the one who turns away and insults the Spirit, and the one who endures responding in faith.

39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.​

 

[Reformed]

Enlightenment is actually part of the order of salvation (Ordo Salutis). Enlightenment occurs when the Holy Spirit reveals the glorious truth of the Gospel to the repentant heart. As far as Jesus enlightening every man, it cannot mean that He saves every man. Also, it does not mean that every man receives saving knowledge. I refer you to what Matthew Henry said about Christ's enlightenment:

But how does Christ enlighten every man that comes into the world? (1.) By his creating power he enlightens every man with the light of reason; that life which is the light of men is from him; all the discoveries and directions of reason, all the comfort it gives us, and all the beauty it puts upon us, are from Christ. (2.) By the publication of his gospel to all nations he does in effect enlighten every man. John Baptist was a light, but he enlightened only Jerusalem and Judea, and the region round about Jordan, like a candle that enlightens one room; but Christ is the true light, for he is a light to enlighten the Gentiles. His everlasting gospel is to be preached to every nation and language, Rev. xiv. 6. Like the sun which enlightens every man that will open his eyes, and receive its light (Ps. xix. 6), to which the preaching of the gospel is compared.

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[Calminian]

Enlightenment is actually part of the order of salvation (Ordo Salutis). Enlightenment occurs when the Holy Spirit reveals the glorious truth of the Gospel to the repentant heart. As far as Jesus enlightening every man, it cannot mean that He saves every man. Also, it does not mean that every man receives saving knowledge. I refer you to what Matthew Henry said about Christ's enlightenment:

I believe I agree with MH. The term, enlightenment, itself is a general term, meaning to show light or show knowledge. In Eps. 1:18, Paul prays for believers to become enlightened about the riches of the glory of their inheritance. It's definitely not a specific term for salvation.

I believe I agree with you also, that's it's an essential part of the salvation process. That seems to be evident in John 1 and 12. And it a strange way, it also seems to be part of the condemnation process, as in Hebrews 6.

 

[InTheLight]

Enlightenment is actually part of the order of salvation (Ordo Salutis). Enlightenment occurs when the Holy Spirit reveals the glorious truth of the Gospel to the repentant heart. As far as Jesus enlightening every man, it cannot mean that He saves every man. Also, it does not mean that every man receives saving knowledge. I refer you to what Matthew Henry said about Christ's enlightenment:

(2.) By the publication of his gospel to all nations he does in effect enlighten every man.

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So God enlightens the walking dead unregenerate corpses of EVERY PERSON with the gospel.

How does this square with Calvinist's teaching of total depravity?

 

[Calminian]

So God enlightens the walking dead unregenerate corpses of EVERY PERSON with the gospel.

How does this square with Calvinist's teaching of total depravity?

Off topic. Really don't want to go there. We can argue the efficacious call vs. non-efficacious in another thread.

 

[InTheLight]

Off topic. Really don't want to go there. We can argue the efficacious call vs. non-efficacious in another thread.

You're right. Sorry about that.

As to your OP, I agree with you. "Enlightened" means knowledge of the gospel. Jesus is the light that enlightens. Enlightenment is not synonymous with salvation.

 

[Reformed]

So God enlightens the walking dead unregenerate corpses of EVERY PERSON with the gospel.

How does this square with Calvinist's teaching of total depravity?

Do you understand what Henry means by that statement? Not a dig at you, an honest question.

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[MB]

Do you understand what Henry means by that statement? Not a dig at you, an honest question.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

My Bible says everyone has been enlightened.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
MB