What does John 1:9 mean by the true light that lightens every man?
John 1:9 teaches that Jesus, the true light, gives a measure of enlightenment to every person born into the world. This means no one is without excuse, because God is sovereign, fair, and would never send anyone to eternal doom without cause.
Les explains that John 1:9 refers to Jesus coming in His first advent, as John the Baptist announced Him. The verse says the true light lights every man that comes into the world. Les admits he cannot fully comprehend or logically explain it, but he trusts the Sovereign God, who is never unfair and will never send someone to eternal doom without cause. This answers the question about people who never heard the Gospel: every person born into the world has been enlightened. Romans 1:18 says they are without excuse, and this enlightenment is why.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
More Questions
Who is the true Light that enlightens every man?
The true Light, Jesus, enlightens every man that comes into the world.
Is Romans 1:19 saying the same thing as John 1:9 about the light that enlightens every man?
Paul in Romans 1:19 is saying basically the same thing as John 1:9 — that Christ is the light which lightens every man that comes into the world.