Theology Terms Explained: “Illumination”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
1. The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced.
2. The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
3. The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
4. Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
Here we go!
The Term
“Illumination”
il·lu·mi·na·tion
The Definition
Merriam Webster: the action of illuminating or state of being illuminated: such as
a: spiritual or intellectual enlightenment; a lighting up, decorative lighting or lighting effects.
FTG’s Expanded Explanation: Illumination is what happens when you learn spiritual truths that suddenly make sense and move you to action. Just like a bright light that lights up a dark room when turned on, illumination is when the light bulb goes on in your mind after reading a passage of Scripture or listening to the Word of God be preached. Illumination is a spiritual and intellectual awakening. It is the “click” in your mind when suddenly a spiritual truth makes sense. In moments of illumination, the Holy Spirit is working in you to give you greater understanding and awareness of divine revelation from Scripture. Illumination differs from salvation in that illumination can happen many times over in our lives as believers, but salvation is a one-time moment in which we are raised from being dead in our sins and given new life in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:1-9).
The Biblical Connection
When the apostle Paul was writing the Ephesian Christians to encourage them in the gospel and living out their faith, he provides one of the most explicit examples of illumination in all of Scripture. He is praying for illumination to happen in Ephesians 5:15-19:
“For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe…”
This example helps us further understand that the purpose of illumination is to bring us to greater heights of knowledge and action for the gospel and glory of God. This also gives us an example of how to pray for others so that people we love would also experience the illumination as the Holy Spirit “opens the eyes of their hearts.”
Lastly, one of the more helpful chapters for understanding the importance of God’s Word in our lives is Psalm 119. Throughout this glorious chapter, the Psalmist highlights the power of God’s Word in opening our eyes, lighting our path, and protecting us from sin.
Further Study: 1 Corinthians 2:10-13, Psalm 119
Used in Everyday Conversation
“Through salvation God gave me a new heart, and through illumination the Holy Spirit has continued to grow me in truth and understanding of the gospel and Scripture.”
“I was reading this passage in Scripture and thought to myself, has that always been there!? The Holy Spirit illuminated my mind to truths that I had never really noticed or understood. Praise God!”
