It is not meant to say here that
Christians have no need of the light of the sun or the moon, but to teach
that the light of the sun and the brightness of the moon is not to be
compared to the transcendent light of Christianity. Whose heart has not
been touched with a feeling of admiration as they beheld the bright
dawning of the round, red sun, or the beautiful rising of a full moon?
These are not to be compared with the "brightness of the rising" of the
gospel day. "To them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is
sprung up." Mat. 4:16. "Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the
dayspring [sun rising--margin] from on high hath visited us, to give light
to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet
into the way of peace." Luke 1:78, 79.

Jesus says of himself, "I am the root and the offspring of David, and the
bright and morning star." Rev. 22:16. Christ speaking to the church at
Thyatira, says to those that overcome and keep his works unto the end,
that he will give them the morning star. Rev. 2:28. He will give them the
true light and glory of Christianity, or his own light and nature. All
will do well to take heed to do his works "until the day dawn and the day
star arise in their hearts."

In the natural world there is a literal solar system consisting of the
sun, moon and planets. The sun is the center around which all the planets
revolve, and from which they receive their light. The moon borrows its
light from the sun. When some object interposes between the moon and the
sun the moon is left in darkness. In the spiritual world there is a
spiritual solar system consisting of sun, moon and stars. As in the
literal system, the moon and stars revolve around the Sun and borrow their
light therefrom.

The Spiritual Sun Or Light.

It is not difficult to glean from the Scriptures the knowledge of the true
center of this spiritual solar system, or the true source of light. The
last writer of the Old Testament Scriptures, in his last chapter says:
"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with
healing in his wings." All understand this text to refer to the Lord
Jesus. His visitation to this world, through the mercy of God, is termed,
"The sun-rising." Luke 1:78, margin. Christ is the Sun and true source of
light of the gospel day. The church of God collectively is the moon of
this spiritual solar system, and its individual members are the