What does 'God is light' mean in relation to His character?

'God is light' is a profound declaration of His nature, articulated in 1 John 1:5, which states, 'God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.' This implies that God's essence is pure, holy, and righteous, contrasting with human sinfulness and darkness. In the context of His love and mercy, it means that God's actions are always in accordance with His perfect character—He cannot overlook sin without justice. Therefore, in the act of sending His Son to redeem sinners, God manifests His light by offering mercy through justice; Christ bore the punishment for sin, allowing God to forgive those who believe without compromising His holiness. This fundamental truth about God's character is pivotal for understanding the grace that He extends to His people.