Matthew declares that the passage from which this verse is taken sets forth what Christ began to do through the preaching of the gospel (Mt 4: 12-17.) We see here in Matthew an illustration of the power Christ works effectually in those in whom he teaches the truth. He makes them forsake all and follow him in faith (Mt 4: 18-22.) When Christ exercises his power in spirit and truth within us, he heals the sinner by bringing us by faith into the assurance that he has perfected us on the cross. We see it illustrated through the miracles the Lord performed (Mt 4: 23.) And Christ continues to teach his disciples from heavens Mt. Zion, as we see illustrated (Mt 5: 1, 2.)

What Christ did when he preached the gospel in person, is just as much a reality as what Christ Jesus now performs as he teaches sinners in power and grace, in spirit and in truth through the gospel.

We walked in darkness in the shadow of death. Yet, Christ the Great Light of our salvation revealed himself to us. All men without exception, by nature, walk in darkness.

First, we see this in the Jews who did not know Christ. The scriptures declare Christ throughout-the law and the prophets set him forth, the whole history recorded throughout the book is of Christ, everything God has done since the dawn of creation glorifies the Son of God, Christ Jesus the Lord-the Jews had all these advantages. They knew the scriptures and the power of God in the same way men learn doctrine, argue theological arguments, and regurgitate the word of truth--yet they knew nothing of God's power because they had never experienced the power of God which causes sinners to KNOW CHRIST. Therefore, Matthew 22: 29: Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. Nicodemus was a leader in religion in Israel and serves as an exmple. (John 3: 1-12.)

Likewise, every Gentile, by nature, walks in the same darkness. Men do not KNOW Christ the Light by coming to the 5 points of Calvinism any more than they KNOW the darkness of their hearts by memorizing the 10 commandments. The Light is not obtained because you were raised by believing parents or grandparents, made a profession, or learn a particular system of doctrine. THIS LIGHT COMES IN POWER BY THE DIVINE REVELATION THAT GOD IS!

The POWER of God which on the cross triumphantly fulfilled the law, breaking the yoke of sin, of death, and of hell which held his people in captivity is the power exercised by the Spirit of Christ which breaks the yoke within us. Christ brings his elect to the knowledge of the truth, victoriously bringing each one to forsake every vain confidence and to put all their hope in the Lord our Righteousness (Eph 1: 19, 20.)

Our Lord's work on the cross and his work in the hearts of his people are each so vitally necessary that without his work in us we will never believe on him and what he performed for us (John 1: 11, 12; 1 Cor 15: 22; Eph 5: 8; 2 Cor. 4: 6; Eze 37: 1-14.)