When contemplating the concept of “the world,” various interpretations may arise. It could refer to the physical planet Earth, humanity as a whole, human inhabitants of the Earth, or specific historical eras like the medieval or the ancient world. Alternatively, it might encompass the universe as a system of created entities, or represent distinct spheres of human activity or interest, such as academia, the digital realm, or the domain of sports. This diverse array of meanings constitutes the world as we commonly understand it.
The Biblical authors, however, had a distinct view of the world and they made known their views in scripture.
World translates the New Testament Greek noun kosmos and the verb kosmeo. The Greek word “Kosmos” embodies concepts of “order,” “regularity,” “arrangement,” “ornament,” and “social system.” In the Bible, it is consistently rendered as “world,” except in 1 Peter 3:3, where it is translated as “adorning.” The fundamental meaning of the term Kosmos lies in the context of the social system and order on Earth. For instance, when Peter mentioned “the world that then was, being overflowed with water perished,” it’s crucial to recognize that only the social structure on Earth ceased to exist, not the physical ground it occupied (2 Pet. 3:5-7). 1
Within the New Testament, the theme of “the world” is most extensively explored by John, known for his contributions to The Johannine Literature. In fact, John’s writings stand out by addressing the concept of “the world” almost 60% more frequently than all other New Testament authors combined, establishing him as a preeminent authority on the subject. John’s written works offer profound insights into the nature of “the world” and its profound implications for humanity. A particularly noteworthy passage is found in 1 John 2:15-17.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17)
In this passage, John imparts a warning about becoming enamoured with the world, emphasising three key points. Firstly, he underscores the incompatibility of loving both the world and God the Father. Secondly, he highlights that the world’s affairs do not originate from God. Thirdly, John emphasises the transitory nature of the world in its present form—it is destined to fade away. For John the world is a matter of contention and it is this very matter that will be the subject of our study.
The World According to Scripture
The significance of John’s passage in 1 John 2:16 lies in its reference to a pivotal conversation from the Book of Genesis, shedding light on the origins of the world.
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took off its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:1-6
The exchange between Eve and the serpent holds great importance as it unveils the inception of the world. This world’s foundation is rooted in sin, characterised by the cravings of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life. The deceptive tactics employed by Satan, which ultimately led to humanity’s Fall, initiated the emergence of this world—an ordered system conceived and ruled by him. Initially, there was no inherent connection between humanity and the physical Earth with a Satanic system. However, human sin served as the gateway for the world to take root, allowing Satan to establish his dominion on Earth.
By tracing this concept through the pages of the Bible, we come to understand that the world manifests itself as inimical to God, and this enmity can be ascribed to the influence of the system’s architect, Satan. Consequently, everything that constitutes the world deviates from the divine purpose of God.
Within the Gospel of John, the author employs the term “World” to allude to humanity, specifically individuals who stand distanced from God and, consequently, oppose the mission of Christ. This encompasses an entire human race in need of salvation from God
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)
Additional scriptures, specifically John 8:23, 1 John 4:4-6, 1 Corinthians 2:12-13, and James 4:4, all emphasise the idea of separation. They underline the distinct and complete separation between the world and God.
He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. John 8:23
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:4-6
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4
The New Testament authors also write that the World has a ruler and it is not Christ. Jesus himself says “the ruler of this world is coming, he has no claim on me”.
We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 1 John 5:19.
I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me John 14:30.
Now is the judgement of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. John 12:31
Walking the Kingdom Path in a Worldly Wilderness
The common theme in the writings of the Biblical authors revolves around the overarching conflict between two domains: the Kingdom of God and the World.
The world is described as the universe illuminated by Christ, who came to save it despite not being of it. Although outwardly the world appears to follow Him, it harbours a deep-rooted hostility towards Christ. His mission involves passing judgement on the world, and the world is often symbolised by its ruler, Satan. There is an inherent opposition between Christ and the world, and salvation history is depicted as a battle between Christ and the malevolent force that governs it. Ultimately, Christ emerges victorious.2
Believers are chosen out of the world, serving as a testament to God’s love in sending His Son. However, the world responds with animosity towards them. Despite being in the world, these believers are not of it, having been born of God. Thus, they are sent into the world but are not meant to love it in the sense of indulging in worldly desires and pride. This attitude doesn’t reflect a rejection or disdain for the world but rather a strong faith that conquers the world’s negative influences.3
The body of Christ must navigate the tension between The Kingdom of God and the World. As previously stated, the world’s systems are governed by Satan and are inherently geared towards his kingdom. However, individuals guided by spiritual principles possess the capacity to redirect these systems away from Satan’s influence, but only while they actively participate. Yet, in the absence of God’s divine presence, these systems inevitably return to their default state, reinforcing the construction of Satan’s kingdom.
God is sovereign and the ruler of all, with Jesus holding authority over all creation. While Satan governs the systems of the world in the present age, he does not have dominion over humanity. The works of Jesus on the cross have granted mankind authority over Satan and his realm. In the current age, evil forces influence government systems and political leaders. Therefore, our hope should not rest in the systems of the world but in God. Despite Satan’s influence as the prince of the world, his jurisdiction is limited. His control extends only to the natural fallen man—the old creation. The regenerated man, as a new creation, is beyond his authority.
- God’s Plan for Man, Finis Jennings Dake
↩︎ - Kittel, G., Friedrich, G. and Bromiley, G.W. (1985) Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans ↩︎
- Kittel, G., Friedrich, G. and Bromiley, G.W. (1985) Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans ↩︎