The World: Creation and Nature

The concept of "the world" in the Bible encompasses both the physical creation and the human societies that inhabit it. The world was created by God, as described in Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational act of creation establishes God's sovereignty over the world and everything in it. The earth is depicted as a place of beauty and order, designed to reflect God's glory and to be inhabited by His creatures.

Psalm 24:1 affirms God's ownership of the world: "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This verse underscores the idea that the world and its resources are under God's dominion, and humans are stewards of His creation.

The World: Fallen State

Despite its original perfection, the world is now in a fallen state due to sin. The entrance of sin through Adam and Eve's disobedience brought corruption and decay to the world (Genesis 3). Romans 8:20-22 describes the creation as being subjected to frustration and groaning as it awaits redemption: "For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."

The World: Human Society

In the New Testament, "the world" often refers to human society in opposition to God's kingdom. This worldly system is characterized by values and practices contrary to God's will. 1 John 2:15-17 warns believers against loving the world: "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 all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world."

The World: Redemption and Renewal

Despite the fallen state of the world, God's plan includes its redemption and renewal. John 3:16 highlights God's love for the world and His redemptive mission through Jesus Christ: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse emphasizes the hope of salvation and the ultimate restoration of the world through Christ.

Revelation 21:1-4 provides a vision of the new heaven and new earth, where God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. This future renewal reflects God's ultimate purpose for the world and its dwellers.

The Dwellers: Humanity's Role and Responsibility

Humans, as dwellers of the world, are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and are given the responsibility to steward the earth. This stewardship involves caring for creation and living in accordance with God's commandments. Psalm 8:6-8 speaks of humanity's role: "You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet: all sheep and oxen, and even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas."

The Dwellers: Spiritual Condition

The spiritual condition of the world's dwellers is a central theme in Scripture. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), yet through faith in Jesus Christ, individuals can be reconciled to God and become part of His kingdom. Believers are called to be in the world but not of it, living as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) and shining as lights in a dark world (Philippians 2:15).

The Dwellers: Eternal Destiny

The Bible teaches that the eternal destiny of the world's dwellers is determined by their response to the gospel. Those who accept Christ will inherit eternal life, while those who reject Him face eternal separation from God. Matthew 25:31-46 describes the final judgment, where the righteous will enter eternal life, and the unrighteous will go away to eternal punishment.

In summary, the world and its dwellers are central to the biblical narrative, encompassing creation, fall, redemption, and ultimate restoration. The Bible provides a comprehensive view of the world as God's creation, marred by sin but destined for renewal through Christ, with humanity playing a pivotal role in God's redemptive plan.