1 John 5:19

Context

First John is an epistle written by the Apostle John, characterized by its emphasis on fellowship with God, assurance of salvation, and the stark contrast between light and darkness, truth and error, and love and hate. This verse, 1 John 5:19, appears near the conclusion of the letter, serving as a powerful summary statement that reinforces the spiritual identity of believers and the reality of the fallen world. It follows John's declaration about the victory that overcomes the world through faith (1 John 5:4) and sets the stage for further assurances regarding prayer and knowledge of God.

Key Themes

• Divine Origin and Assurance: The opening phrase, "we know that we are of God," is a profound statement of assurance and spiritual identity. It speaks to the believer's new birth and adoption into God's family, implying a fundamental change in nature and allegiance. This knowledge is not mere speculation but a firm conviction based on the Holy Spirit's work.
• The World's Fallen Condition: In stark contrast, the second part of the verse declares, "and the whole world lieth in wickedness." This refers to the human system, culture, and values that exist apart from God and are inherently opposed to Him. It portrays the world as being under the pervasive influence and dominion of evil, often personified as the evil one, Satan. This perspective is crucial for understanding the spiritual battles believers face.
• Spiritual Distinction and Separation: The verse establishes a clear dichotomy between those who belong to God and "the world." It highlights the spiritual chasm between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. While believers live *in* the world, they are not *of* the world, as Jesus Himself prayed (John 17:16). This distinction calls for a unique way of life, values, and priorities for the follower of Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lieth in wickedness" is particularly insightful. The Greek word for "wickedness" here is poneros (πονηρός), which can denote evil in a general sense, but often in the New Testament, it refers to the "evil one" himself, Satan. The verb "lieth" (Greek: keimai, κεῖμαι) suggests a state of being situated, positioned, or even prostrate. Thus, the "whole world" is depicted as being under the power, influence, or control of the evil one, like a conquered territory or a person lying helpless under a dominant force. This reinforces the idea of a pervasive spiritual darkness affecting humanity apart from God.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 John 5:19 offers both comfort and a call to vigilance:

• Assurance of Identity: It provides a deep sense of security and belonging. Knowing "we are of God" affirms our new identity in Christ and the unshakeable foundation of our faith.
• Discernment: Understanding that "the whole world lieth in wickedness" helps believers to critically evaluate worldly philosophies, trends, and desires. It fosters spiritual discernment, preventing us from being conformed to patterns of thought and behavior that are contrary to God's will.
• Call to Holiness: This spiritual distinction implies a call to live a life set apart, reflecting God's character rather than the world's. It encourages believers to pursue righteousness and resist the temptations and influences of a fallen world.
• Urgency of Mission: While the world is under the sway of evil, believers are called to be salt and light within it (Matthew 5:13-16). Our distinct identity empowers us to share the hope of Christ with those still caught in the world's darkness.

Reflection

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the two distinct spiritual realms. Believers are not left to flounder in the world's wickedness but are firmly established "of God," possessing a divine nature and purpose. This truth should fill us with confidence, empower us to live distinctly, and motivate us to shine the light of Christ into the darkness, knowing that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).