In his powerful teaching titled “The Ministry of Light: The Journey Beyond Salvation,” Apostle Joshua Selman delves into the profound depths of spiritual illumination and transformation that come after salvation. He emphasizes that salvation is only the beginning of a believer’s walk with God, and the journey beyond it requires a deeper encounter with God’s light. Through this message, Apostle Selman sheds light on the spiritual journey from conversion to maturity, revealing the importance of understanding God’s light in achieving full spiritual growth and living in the fullness of God’s purposes.
The Concept of Light in Scripture
Apostle Selman begins by explaining the significance of light in the Bible. Throughout Scripture, light symbolizes knowledge, revelation, and divine truth. In Genesis 1:3, God’s first creative act was to command light to shine, bringing order and purpose to the chaos that existed. Light, he explained, represents the clarity and truth that comes from God, dispelling darkness, confusion, and ignorance.
Referencing John 8:12, where Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” Apostle Selman highlights the role of Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual illumination. When believers encounter Christ, they are called out of darkness (sin, ignorance, and separation from God) and into His marvelous light. However, the light that comes with salvation is just the beginning of the Christian experience. The ministry of light is a lifelong process that deepens as believers seek to know God more intimately and walk in His ways.
Salvation: The Entry Point
Salvation is the foundational step in the believer’s journey toward God, Apostle Selman explains. It is a supernatural experience where God transfers us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). At this point, a believer receives the light of life, but there is still a lot to learn and experience.
Apostle Selman warns against complacency at this stage. Many believers wrongly assume that salvation is the final destination, but he insists that it is only the starting point. He likens salvation to entering a vast kingdom: while a person is now inside the kingdom, there are still many realms of knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual growth to explore. Without seeking a deeper revelation of God’s light, a believer might remain spiritually immature, lacking understanding of their identity in Christ and their divine purpose.
The Journey Beyond Salvation: Seeking Deeper Light
Apostle Selman introduces the concept of “The Journey Beyond Salvation” by describing the believer’s walk with God as a continual pursuit of His light. This involves seeking deeper revelation through prayer, studying the Word, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. As believers walk in the light of God, they experience transformation, greater spiritual authority, and deeper intimacy with the Father.
He explains that there are various dimensions of light that every believer must pursue:
- The Light of Understanding: The first level of light beyond salvation is the light of understanding—knowing who God is, who we are in Christ, and what the Kingdom of God represents. Proverbs 4:7 states that wisdom is the principal thing, and with all our wisdom, we must get understanding. Without this understanding, it’s impossible to walk in the fullness of God’s purpose.
- The Light of Revelation: This is deeper insight into God’s mysteries. Revelation enables believers to grasp spiritual truths that are hidden from the natural mind. Apostle Selman urges believers to consistently ask God for the spirit of revelation, citing Ephesians 1:17, where Paul prays for the church to receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God.
- The Light of Transformation: As we receive and walk in God’s light, our lives are transformed. Apostle Selman teaches that transformation is the goal of every believer’s walk with God. Romans 12:2 speaks of being transformed by the renewing of the mind. The ministry of light brings a renewal of thought patterns, values, and behaviors, aligning us with God’s will.
- The Light of Manifestation: Apostle Selman explains that light is not only for personal edification but also for impact. Believers are called to reflect God’s light in a dark world. Matthew 5:14-16 reminds us that we are the light of the world and must shine before men. As we grow in spiritual understanding and revelation, we become conduits of God’s light, influencing our communities and bringing glory to His name.
The Power of Illumination: Discerning Spiritual Realities
Apostle Selman also addresses the importance of spiritual discernment, which comes from walking in God’s light. Spiritual darkness often blinds believers from seeing the truth about their situations, their destinies, and even the enemy’s tactics. The ministry of light grants clarity and insight into the spiritual realm, allowing believers to see beyond the natural and align with God’s divine plan.
He emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as the illuminator who guides believers into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit brings divine revelation, exposes hidden truths, and reveals the deeper purposes of God for our lives. Through the ministry of light, believers are empowered to navigate the complexities of life with divine wisdom and make decisions that align with God’s will.
Conclusion: Walking in the Fullness of God’s Light
Apostle Selman concludes by calling believers to embrace the ministry of light in every area of their lives. The journey beyond salvation requires intentional pursuit of God’s light through personal devotion, hunger for spiritual growth, and submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Only by walking in the light can believers live lives of impact, fulfill their divine purpose, and become true reflections of Christ in a dark world.
Ultimately, “The Ministry of Light: The Journey Beyond Salvation” is an invitation to a deeper, transformative walk with God—a call to leave behind spiritual ignorance and embrace the full spectrum of revelation and truth that comes from a life illuminated by God’s presence.