What does it mean to come to the light (John 3:21)?

The contrast between light and darkness is a prominent theme in John’s writings. In John 3:1–21, Jesus teaches Nicodemus why people must be born again through the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here, John introduces the darkness/light juxtaposition: “God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants” (John 3:19–21, NLT).

John submits that people who do “what is right” (NLT), “what is true” (ESV), or who live “by the truth” (NIV) demonstrate that they have “come to the light.” This concept is closely tied to the idea of “walking in the light,” which involves being open to God’s revelation in Jesus Christ and living according to His truth: “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true” (Ephesians 5:8–9, NLT; see also John 8:12; 1 John 1:7; 2:9–11).

Those who are born of God’s Spirit come out of darkness into the light of Jesus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 4:6). Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12; see also 9:5). When we are born again through salvation in Jesus Christ, the torch passes to us, and we, too, become the light of the world (see Matthew 5:14–16), “shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people” (Philippians 2:15, NLT). Our light points the way to the One true light, who is Christ.

It’s essential to recognize that this act of coming into the light by doing what is right is not something we achieve through our own goodness but rather demonstrates a righteousness that has been wrought by God Himself (see Ephesians 2:8–9). Salvation is God’s work, a rebirth that He performs within us through the Holy Spirit (John 1:12–13; 3:5–8; Romans 8:14–16; Titus 3:5). Yet, it becomes evident outwardly through the display of holy living (2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 2:11–14).

Coming to the light also implies a willingness to have our actions exposed and examined; in contrast, those who prefer darkness hide their evil deeds (see Isaiah 29:15; John 12:46; Romans 13:12; Ephesians 5:11–14; 1 John 1:5–7). As we come to the light, we pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23–24, NLT; see also Psalm 19:14). Solomon affirms, “The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over” (Proverbs 4:18–19, NLT).

Coming to the light does not suggest human superiority, merit, or works-based religion, but it does emphasize human responsibility (see James 4:17; Galatians 6:9–10; Micah 6:8), even while acknowledging God’s role in good works (see Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 2:10). God created us in Jesus Christ to do good works, but we have the responsibility to submit to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, obey the Lord’s commands, and persevere in doing good.

“Coming to the light” can also be understood as the believer’s response to Jesus Christ and His offer of salvation (see Isaiah 55:1–3; Matthew 11:28–30; John 6:35–37; 7:37–38). Jesus embodies truth and light (John 1:4–5, 14; 14:6). By coming and surrendering our lives to Him, we move out of darkness and into “his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9; see also Acts 26:18). Through faith in Jesus, God rescues us “from the dominion of darkness” and transfers us into His kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). This transformation involves abiding in Christ, embracing God’s truth, and living accordingly to His will and ways (see John 15:5–8; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 3:9–10; 1 Peter 1:14–16).