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What does the Bible say about world?

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The Bible teaches that the world, in its fallen rebellion against God, must not govern the Christian’s loves, loyalties, or way of life, though God still lovingly calls people from it to salvation in Christ. First John 2:15-18 warns that worldly desires are passing away, while Romans 12:2 calls believers to renewed minds rather than conformity. James 4:4 describes friendship with the world’s sinful system as enmity with God, and 1 John 5:19 recognizes its present evil influence. Yet John 3:16 declares God’s saving love for the world, and Jesus gives His people peace amid its troubles (John 16:33). Christians belong to Christ’s heavenly kingdom and set their minds above (John 18:36; Colossians 3:2).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 John 2:15-18

    [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. [18] Little children, these are the end times, and as you heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen. By this we know that it is the end times.

  • John 15:18

    If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • James 4:4

    You adulterers and adulteresses, don't you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

  • 1 John 5:19

    We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

  • John 16:33

    I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world."

  • John 18:36

    Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn't be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here."

  • John 3:16

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

  • Colossians 3:2

    Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.

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