“If therefore the light that is in you is darkness …” (Matt. 6:23, NKJV)
The term “outer darkness” is currently under discussion, the first of the three instances that it occurs in Scripture, in the parable of the wedding feast and garment in Matt. 22:1-14. From the previous teaching we know that based on verse 14 we are here concerned with everyone who were called, but who did not answer the call; they are thus not elected, as they did not choose (1 Pet. 1:2).
From the parable can clearly be understood that those who were initially invited to the wedding feast (the Jews), would not attend, and that the invitation was then extended to the rest of the broken world. It is clear – the gospel of salvation – “which was preached to every creature under heaven” (Col. 1:23), is for everyone. But eventually there is a very important condition that is presented to the wedding guests – they need to wear the correct wedding garments. Go back to the teachings of Day 27 & 28 and read about the symbolic priestly garments that those who are called need to wear. For the priest entering the second dimension, the garment is an absolute prerequisite. If someone is without the garment, the parable states, he will be cast into the outer darkness, there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. This can however not be the garment of the first dimension, in other words the white garment of salvation – he has after all already made the decision to attend the wedding (in other words, to accept Jesus as Saviour – John 1:12).
The expression “there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth” is also found in Matt. 3:42 & 50, and is there explicitly linked to the fact that they will be cast into the furnace of fire.
In the teachings of Day 767-769 Jesus’ words in Matt. 3:9-12 was extensively explained, specifically pointing out that He notes that this furnace on earth will purify first and second dimension believers. In the furnace of the Bride all unbelievers, but also first and second dimension believers, are tested.
It is thus clear that if the first and second dimension believers who have been invited to the wedding accept the invitation, but are not yet properly clothed, and are then cast into the furnace of third dimension believers as Godly standard, and that the goal is for them to be cleansed and purified. To be cast in the furnace can thus be metaphorically likened to be cast into the “outer darkness”! You do not land there because of the darkness itself, but because of the fact that, despite your being saved and born-again, there is still darkness within you! “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye [clearly “eyes of your understanding” – Eph. 1:18] is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matt. 6:22-23).
- Selah: Is the light within you perhaps dark? Selah.
- Read: 3-4; Eph. 2.
- Memorise: 2:8.
