The Lightlings
We Are Not Ashamed of the Gospel
Romans 1:16–17 declares:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’”
Belief is a word we hear often, but what does it really mean to believe the gospel? Psalm 100 shows us the end goal: a life overflowing with praise, thanksgiving, and joyful worship. But how do we get there when our hearts are so often weary, distracted, or even ashamed? Let’s walk through four truths that reveal why the gospel is good news, why belief is so vital, and why we can live unashamed in the light of Christ.
1. Living in the Dark
Why are people afraid of the dark? Because we weren’t meant to live in it. Darkness blinds us, confuses us, and leads us into accidents. Spiritually speaking, sin has plunged humanity into that kind of darkness. The Bible calls this the tragedy of our condition.
From Joseph being thrown into a pit, to Naomi mourning her bitter losses, to Jesus weeping at Lazarus’ tomb, Scripture is honest about the sadness and grief that mark our lives. All of this traces back to Adam and Eve’s rebellion. Sin not only brought death and sorrow, but it twisted our hearts so that we actually prefer the darkness. We fear the light because it exposes what is broken within us (Genesis 6:5).
We were made to reflect God’s light—His goodness, beauty, and holiness. R.C. Sproul once called us “lightlings,” creatures designed to shine with God’s brilliance. Yet our light has dimmed, and on our own, we cannot restore it.
2. Longing for a Hero
The best stories are hero stories. Whether it’s Frodo carrying the Ring, Harry Potter facing Voldemort, or a firefighter rushing into danger—we are drawn to tales where a hero does for others what they cannot do for themselves.
That’s exactly what God has done in Jesus Christ. The righteousness of God is revealed not in our striving but in His saving action. Left to ourselves, we face an impossible demand: to live perfectly in the light. But Jesus, the true Light of the world (John 1:9), stepped into our darkness. He healed the sick, cast out demons, forgave sins, and ultimately conquered death. The darkness could not overcome Him (John 1:4–5).
Believing in the gospel means recognizing Jesus as the hero who rescues us when we cannot rescue ourselves.
3. Trusting the Promise
So, what does it mean to believe? Belief is not just intellectual agreement—it’s trust. Think of stepping onto a zip line. You believe the harness will hold you because you trust the promise of the instructor. In the same way, faith is leaning the full weight of your life on God’s promise in Christ.
Belief is trusting that Jesus’ death and resurrection are enough to save you, to forgive your sins, and to restore you to God. When we believe, the light of Christ begins to shine in us again. We start to love the light more than the darkness. We see where to walk. We discover hope and joy that cannot be shaken.
Faith is simply this: taking God at His word and resting in His promises.
4. Dwelling in the Light Forever
The story doesn’t end with salvation here and now—it points us toward eternity. Revelation tells us that in the new creation, there will be no need for sun or lamp, because the Lamb Himself will be our light forever.
Heaven is life fully restored in the presence of Jesus, where sorrow and tragedy are no more. Every twinkling city light we see at night reminds us of that eternal brightness—the true Light of the world.
Belief connects us to that future even now. It assures us that though we walk in a dark world, we already belong to the light and will one day dwell in it forever.
Living Unashamed
The gospel is good news because it tells us that though we were lost in darkness, Christ the Light has come. Believing in Him restores our identity as light-bearers, frees us from fear, and gives us eternal hope.
That’s why Paul could say, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” And that’s why you and I can stand unashamed today.
So, let me leave you with three questions to reflect on this week:
Why do you long for good news in hard times—and how does the gospel uniquely meet that longing?
What “hero story” do you love most—and how does Jesus fulfill your deepest need for a Savior?
What promise of God do you most need to trust today?
If we will believe—truly trust in Christ—then we will not only live unashamed, but we will also shine as lightlings once again, reflecting His glory to the world.
