2007 picture of Ray Sparre

Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67


05 December
1 John 5
Focus: "…the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19.

In order to process this concept properly, we need to bear in mind the clear meaning of the word “world” as it is typically used in the New Testament. It encompasses the whole realm of philosophy, morality, entertainment, politics, education, etc., that exists in human society independent of, and resistant to, the Kingdom of God. It is a world system that “is under the control of the evil one.” At the same time it must also be understood God is Sovereign over ALL, including this opposing kingdom, which is allowed to temporarily exist only by His permissive will. The great plot and overview of Biblical revelation is that all creation is headed for a great climax when God will eradicate (destroy) the entire world system, including its “head honcho” (Satan), as well as anyone who sides with him. Till then, however, it remains that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish (in the condemnation of the world) but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

John states that “everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the son of God” (vv.4-5).

Is it any wonder, then, why John would give this instruction back in chapter 2? “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour” (1 John 2:15-18).

And is it any wonder that Jesus instructs us to look to the Sovereign God and relationship with Him to “deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13)?

“Triumph of wrong is never final victory.”