Followed be a couple of possible comparisons/questions.
" Are we the light in the way that the sun is the light? In other words, do we within ourselves provide what is necessary to generate light?"
"Or are we light like the moon is light? Do we simply reflect the light of something greater. Or do we reflect the original light?"
As a way of hopefully disconnecting what I may think, from my sincere hope that Dan will expound upon how he views this, I have offered to start this thread in order to separate any conversation about my views from what I hope will be the opportunity for Dan to expound more fully on his views.
If this solution proves acceptable to Dan, I will edit this post and begin the process of answering. If it is no acceptable, I will consider the value of continuing.
Of course, if anyone else wants to chime in please feel free to do so.
ANSWERS
"In what sense are we "the light"?".
Since this was pretty directly aimed at the intent of the original post, I'm not sure how much value my answer has, but here goes.
I would say that we are "the light" to the extent that Jesus "The Light" shines through us.
" Are we the light in the way that the sun is the light? In other words, do we within ourselves provide what is necessary to generate light?"
I would argue that from a Biblical standpoint that whatever "light" we have is a result of how well we allow "The Light" to shine through us. There is too much scripture that refers to our natural state as "walking in darkness", or being "dead" as well as to God being the source of light to believe that we (in and of ourselves) are capable or interested in truly being light.
I would argue that from a Biblical standpoint that whatever "light" we have is a result of how well we allow "The Light" to shine through us. There is too much scripture that refers to our natural state as "walking in darkness", or being "dead" as well as to God being the source of light to believe that we (in and of ourselves) are capable or interested in truly being light.
"Or are we light like the moon is light? Do we simply reflect the light of something greater. Or do we reflect the original light?"
I think this is closer to the Truth. Jesus clearly made the claim "I Am The Light". There are two elements to that claim. The "I Am", where He is claiming divinity and equality with YHWH, as well as the "The Light" where He is making a claim of exclusivity. So, if Jesus is the singular Light, then the best we can claim is that some of His "light" is shown through our lives. Strangely, one way we demonstrate Jesus light is by obeying His commandments. So, even though it's not a precise analogue, I think that to say we are "light" to the extent that we reflect "The Light" is a reasonable way to look at the situation.