What does the Bible say about the world?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers live in the world but must not love or be conformed to its sinful values, because Christ has overcome it and calls His people to faithful holiness. Scripture says the whole world lies under the power of the evil one, yet those born of God belong to Him and overcome through faith (1 John 5:19; 1 John 4:4). Christians are to shine as blameless lights amid a crooked generation (Philippians 2:15), refusing the world’s lust, pride, and passing desires (1 John 2:15-17). Since Christ chose His people out of the world, they should seek renewal of mind, watchfulness, and obedience while awaiting His return (John 15:19; Romans 12:2; Matthew 24:42).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 John 5:19
We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
- Philippians 2:15
that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world,
- John 15:19
If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
- Romans 12:2
Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
- 1 John 2:15-17
[15] Don't love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father's love isn't in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn't the Father's, but is the world's. [17] The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God's will remains forever.
- 1 John 4:4
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.
- 1 John 2:15
Don't love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father's love isn't in him.
- John 17:9
I pray for them. I don't pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.
- Colossians 2:20
If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances,
- Matthew 24:42
Watch therefore, for you don't know in what hour your Lord comes.
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