23. In view of this, what questions should we ask ourselves? (b) How is the latter part of Psalm 36:9 to be understood, this leading to what fine conclusion?

²³ Under whose authority are you? Are you content to be identified as a supporter of Satan’s world order? Or do you sincerely desire to escape from under his authority but are uncertain as to what steps to take and fearful of what might be involved? As a source of encouragement, turn again to Psalm 36. After describing the bad attitude of those who are always right in their own eyes and, hence, cannot see or learn to hate their errors, the psalmist then turns to Jehovah. He extols His loving-kindness, faithfulness and righteousness, and the blessings that come to those who take refuge under His wings. After saying that Jehovah is “the source of life,” he adds: “By light from you we can see light.” In other words, it is only by learning how to look at things, including ourselves, from his viewpoint, that we can be turned from darkness to light and can come to see and appreciate the steps we must take to gain eternal life under God’s authority. Happy are we if we walk hand in hand with that light, with truth and righteousness, for “the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established.” Then we can join with David in his prayer: “Continue your loving-kindness to those knowing you, and your righteousness to those upright in heart.”​—Ps. 36:5-10; Prov. 4:18.

“Go On Walking as Children of Light”

“You were once darkness, but you are now light in connection with the lord. Go on walking as children of light.”​—Eph. 5:8.

1. How does John’s Gospel closely relate life and light, also make the contrast with darkness?

JOHN, the apostle, was certainly one who believed that life and light go hand in hand. Notice how strongly this is emphasized in his Gospel and in his first letter. He opens his Gospel account by introducing “the Word” (that is, Jesus, in his prehuman existence) and tells of the Word’s close relationship with God. John then says that “what has come into existence by means of him [the Word] was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light is shining in the darkness, but the darkness has not overpowered it.” Thus John loses no time in telling of the conflict between light and darkness, making the point that the darkness could not gain the conquest over him who was God’s “Chief Agent” for conveying both life and light to mankind.​—John 1:1-5; Acts 3:15.

In quoting Jesus’ words spoken to Nicodemus, at John 3:16-21, we find more information. First we read: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” Ah! yes, not only light, but “everlasting life” was to be available to the world of mankind, at great cost both to God and to his beloved Son. However, one all-important condition had to be met, that of one’s “exercising faith,” one thus manifesting the right attitude and response. Failure or refusal to exercise faith meant one’s coming under, or remaining under, God’s adverse judgment.​—John 3:16, 18, 36.

5. What important principle did Jesus state, and how does it operate?

⁵ Jesus next stated an important principle: “Now this is the basis for judgment, that the light has come into the world but men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked.” That “basis for judgment” is as true today as when it was first spoken, and it operates the same way. He that deliberately “practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, in order that his works may not be reproved,” as Jesus explained. That is the reason why “his own people did not take him in.” They, and especially their leaders, acting as “blind guides,” did not want to be exposed or disturbed in their preference for tradition and hypocrisy. A similar situation obtains today, especially in Christendom.​—John 1:11; 3:19-21; Matt. 15:7-9; 23:16-26.

6. Despite your past life, what steps can and should be taken?

⁶ Still, you may not see your way clear. Perhaps you say that your past life will not bear inspection. Yes, but what was your response when you learned for the first time of God’s great love for mankind, “his kindness and forbearance and long-suffering”? Instead of manifesting an “unrepentant heart,” perhaps you, like Saul of Tarsus, showed at heart a good attitude. If so, you would honestly and humbly admit your unclean condition, perhaps extremely unclean in some respects. This would cause you to feel sincere regret over your former way of life. Thereby you would act in accord with the fact that the “kindly quality of God is trying to lead you to repentance.” That is the first step​—repentance. Paul mentioned the further steps when he said to King Agrippa: “I went bringing the message that they should repent and turn to God by doing works that befit repentance.” In other words, true repentance must be followed by conversion, a turning around in one’s course of action, followed by the step of dedication to do God’s will, turning fully to him in whole-souled devotion. In this way you ‘exercise faith,’ you put it to work.​—Rom. 2:4, 5; Acts 26:20.

7. What public evidence is given of dedication, and how did Jesus give encouragement to those becoming his followers?

⁷ Have you taken these steps? And have you given public evidence of your dedication to God by submitting to water baptism as this is observed by Jehovah’s Christian witnesses? If so, then it can be said with authority that you are a true disciple, a follower of Jesus. Note what he said for your encouragement: “I am the light of the world. He that follows me will by no means walk in darkness, but will possess the light of life.”​—John 8:12.

8. How do the Scripture distinguish between those given a heavenly hope and those with an earthly hope during God’s kingdom?

⁸ From Pentecost of 33 C.E. onward, it is true that Jesus’ immediate followers were given a “new birth to a living hope” of a heavenly inheritance, becoming “sharers in divine nature,” of immortality. These make up the “little flock” who share with Christ Jesus in his heavenly throne. (1 Pet. 1:3, 4; 2 Pet. 1:4; Luke 12:32; 1 Cor. 15:54; Rev. 3:21) However, Jesus said on one occasion: “And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring, . . . and they will become one flock, one shepherd.” These “other sheep” are given hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth under the heavenly kingdom, and are identified with the sheeplike ones who do good to Christ’s spiritual brothers, mentioned in the parable at Matthew 25:31-46, and being now in course of fulfillment. They are also identified with the “great crowd” mentioned at Revelation 7:9-17, and following the description of the heavenly class, numbering 144,000.​—John 10:16.

9. How do Jehovah’s Witnesses today correspond to Jesus’ ‘one flock of sheep’?

⁹ Jehovah’s Witnesses today, numbering well over two million, are a living testimony to the truthfulness of God’s Word. Among them is a minority, a nucleus, who have the heavenly hope. Closely gathered around these is a large and growing number of those whose hope of life during God’s kingdom is earthly, and they delight to give all possible support to Christ’s “brothers.” (Matt. 25:40) Both groups form “one flock [under] one shepherd,” and concerning his sheep, all of them, Jesus said: “My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them [by name], and they follow me. And I give them everlasting life.” All of them have been restored to a family relationship with God, so as to be called “children of God,” and are rejoicing in the ‘light of life.’​—John 10:3, 27, 28; Rom. 8:19-21.