What event does John 1:9 refer to?
John 1:9 refers to the first advent, or coming, of Jesus Christ into the world as the true Light. John the Baptist had announced Him, and the verse states that this true Light enlightens every man who comes into the world. It addresses Christ's incarnation and universal enlightenment.
Les explains that John 1:9 is speaking of Jesus coming in His first advent, as John the Baptist had announced Him. The verse calls Him the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world. Les points out that this verse shows every person has been enlightened, so those who have never heard the Gospel are still lost and without excuse, consistent with Romans 1:18. He emphasizes that even though this is hard to comprehend, the Sovereign God has said it and is never unfair.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
More Questions
Why does John 1:9 apply to people today and not just those alive when Jesus was on earth?
The verb 'cometh' is future tense, so the verse speaks not only of those living at Christ's time but also of those coming on the scene even today.
How does John 1:9 compare to Romans 1:19 about God being revealed to all people?
John 1:9 says essentially the same thing as Romans 1:19 — Christ is the light that lights every man coming 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.