God is a deity of glory—a holy, transcendent being who shines forth into the entire universe. When we speak of salvation, we mean that it is found exclusively in God's actions—His divine initiative. To focus solely on a person's belief without acknowledging God's sovereignty reduces salvation to a moral code, stripping it of its supernatural power. Such an approach neglects the reality that God's holiness is rooted in His transcendence—His purity so radiant that no one can approach Him without being consumed. Recognizing ourselves as sinners is crucial because it aligns us with the biblical truth that we cannot save ourselves through our own efforts or understanding of God. Our natural tendency is to try to generate some false light—some assurance or certification—that we are truly faithful. We often do this by cherry-picking Scripture, taking phrases out of context, and ignoring the overall narrative that reveals our inability to produce genuine faith on our own. Scripture employs both near and distant contexts to conceal the true light— that is, the divine glory that exposes our inadequacies and reveals that genuine faith is a gift from God. When we look to Christ, and focus on His glory, we are drawn into a supernatural and transcendent attraction. Our understanding of Christ's majesty not only reveals His greatness but also stirs within us a desire for more of His divine presence. This longing for more of God's glory is not a mere effort to increase our faith but is rooted in the recognition that true faith connects us to something far beyond ourselves—namely, the holiness of God Himself. Every time we approach God, we are confronted with His holiness; we are exposed to His radiant glory. This exposure distinguishes faith as a means of linking us to divine grace—something outside ourselves—rather than a quality we already possess inherently. It is a realization that we are dependent entirely on God's holiness, and that we need His transcendent light to illuminate our path. A proper biblical understanding of faith, however, is centered on recognizing the source of true power—namely, God—rather than using external signs as proof of authentic faith. When we examine the broader context, it becomes clear that entering the light of God's truth does not necessarily mean that a person is morally more inclined or morally superior. Instead, true faith manifests as a reliance on Christ alone as the only hope for salvation. It is this trust—this dependence on Christ—that reveals someone has truly been exposed to the light. In fact, those who come into this divine illumination often do so with a profound awareness of their own sinfulness; this awareness is an essential component of genuine faith. I do not believe that this consciousness diminishes as we grow closer to the light—in fact, it can intensify, leading to even more struggle with sin. The theme here is that exposure to God's light reveals the truth about ourselves: our sinfulness and need for grace. This passage is entirely rooted in canonical truth. It does not primarily emphasize an individual's personal belief, but rather highlights their relationship and connection with Christ. This perspective offers hope to believers and provides a fail-safe assurance for those who are seeking to escape the condemnation that grips the world. The core of true faith is understanding that the gospel is the only path to salvation— the exclusive means by which we are delivered from ourselves and our sinful nature. It is important to clarify that trusting in Christ does not simply prevent condemnation; rather, it is through our union with Christ that we are truly justified and freed from condemnation. In this life, there are only two fundamental options. Every human being is born in opposition to God; we are inherently enemies of Him due to our sinfulness. As a result, we stand condemned by our sin and its ultimate consequence, death. Many people resist believing in Christ because they do not want their sins to be exposed; they fear that genuine faith will reveal their moral failings and shortcomings. Those who are under condemnation often remain unaware of how vulnerable they are to life's temptations and the destructive consequences of giving into sin. They may struggle to see that their efforts to find light or righteousness through their own strength are futile. Their initial instinct might be to approach faith as a challenge against the law—trying to demonstrate their righteousness or moral worthiness through their actions. They may build bridges to God through their own labor, believing that their efforts define the quality of their faith. In this view, they misunderstand spiritual transformation, confusing their own perceived moral achievements with genuine faith. The confusion lies in thinking that the effectiveness of faith is proven by outward results or personal strength, rather than by recognizing the divine source of power. Are we destined to search within ourselves for signs of genuine faith? Or should we instead look outward—toward the holy God—who reveals to us that there is nothing within us that qualifies us for salvation? If salvation depended on our own righteousness or moral achievements, we would forfeit the promises of grace altogether. True salvation is found solely in God's gracious work—His initiative, His power, and His mercy. We cannot earn or manufacture faith through our efforts; it is a gift bestowed by God's sovereign grace. Recognizing this truth is essential because it prevents us from relying on our own strength or morality to prove our worthiness. Instead, it directs us to trust entirely in God's provision, knowing that genuine faith is rooted in His divine action, not in our own abilities. Ultimately, salvation is a divine act—God's work alone—and our role is to respond in humble trust, acknowledging that we are incapable of saving ourselves and that only Christ's sacrifice and divine power can deliver us from condemnation.