Moments of Illumination

It is important to clarify from the beginning that we distinguish and develop two “moments” of illumination in the economy of divine light as attested in John.

First, events such as Jesus’ encounters with Nicodemus, the woman at the well, and the man born blind are marked by a genuinely confounding experience in which something inexplicable is said or done and yet for the individual it is undeniable and unforgettable. In striking resemblance to this, Barth states that illumination “is an event of revelation and knowledge by which the being of man is not only affected but seized and refashioned so that it becomes his new being.” As a result, this study argues for an effectual (i.e., definitive) illumination. I have referred to it as such primarily because of its close theological connection with what in traditional Reformed theological terms is referred to as the “effectual call.” This is the calling whereby “the Spirit of God illumines the minds and softens the will of the elect, thus enabling them personally to respond to the external call of the gospel.” As Barth states, and as we see in John, coming to see the light is more than a cognitive recognition and acceptance; it is a being “seized and refashioned.” This effectual illumination is a penetrating reorientation and renovation. As one participates in this light, it is determinative for one’s new being.

Second, in addition to this effectual illumination—the initial “coming to see the light”—we also see an ongoing illumination in the Gospel of John. Christ’s followers (his disciples or figures such as Mary Magdalene or Lazarus) experience a progression in their understanding of who this man is as the Gospel unfolds. In particular, Jesus’ identity is shrouded in mystery as those whom he encounters often ask, “Who are you?” or “Who is he?” (e.g., Jn 8:25; 9:36). However, by the end of the Gospel, we hear the Evangelist make the perplexing observation, “None of the disciples dared to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ because they knew it was the Lord” (Jn 21:12). In other words, the Gospel of John also displays a sort of progressive illumination. This progression is not only a progression in knowledge. It is also a progression in obedience. Progressive illumination is a way of life that is developed in the economy of divine light. Those who come to see the light of life are made able to walk in that light also (Jn 8:12; 12:35-36; 1 Jn 1:5-10; 2:7-11).

Faith and obedience thus appear in conjunction with each other throughout this project. Intimate knowledge of the divine light and walking in the sphere illumined by that light are indivisible. As one comes to know the light, they are compelled also to walk in it.