1 John 5:19 presents a powerful contrast, offering both assurance to believers and a stark depiction of the world’s spiritual state. This verse is crucial for understanding the Christian identity and the reality of spiritual warfare. It states, “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.” This declaration provides believers with a firm foundation while highlighting the spiritual battleground in which they live.
Assurance of Belonging to God
The phrase “We know that we are of God” is a declaration of certainty and identity. This isn’t wishful thinking, but a confident understanding rooted in the Christian faith. The Apostle John uses “we know” to emphasize a deep, experiential knowledge that believers possess. This assurance is a recurring theme in John’s writings, echoing sentiments found in 1 John 3:2, where believers are called “children of God.” This identity as children of God signifies a divine origin and belonging. To be “of God” means being born again through faith in Jesus Christ (John 1:12-13). This new birth is not a result of human effort but of God’s grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16). This divine connection establishes believers as part of God’s family, offering security and purpose that transcends the temporary nature of the world.
The World Under the Evil One’s Influence
In stark contrast to the secure identity of believers, the verse states, “the whole world is under the power of the evil one.” “The whole world” here refers to the world system – the organized society of humanity that is alienated from God. This system operates on principles that are often contrary to God’s will, characterized by sin, selfishness, and rebellion. The “evil one” is a clear reference to Satan, the adversary of God and humanity. Scripture identifies Satan as the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31, 2 Corinthians 4:4), indicating his significant, though temporary, influence. This doesn’t mean Satan has absolute control, as God is ultimately sovereign. However, it acknowledges the pervasive influence of darkness and evil in the world. This reality is rooted in the biblical narrative of the Fall in Genesis 3, where Satan’s deception led to humanity’s separation from God and ushered in sin and corruption into creation. Despite this daunting reality, believers are called to live in the world but remain distinct from its corrupting values (John 17:14-16). They are equipped with God’s power to overcome evil (Ephesians 6:10-18) and to live as beacons of light in a world shrouded in darkness. The ultimate victory over the evil one is assured through Jesus Christ, who triumphed over Satan through His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15, Revelation 12:10-11).
In conclusion, 1 John 5:19 provides a foundational truth for Christians. It affirms the believer’s secure identity “of God,” offering immense comfort and assurance. Simultaneously, it soberly acknowledges the reality of the world’s condition “under the power of the evil one.” Understanding this dichotomy empowers believers to live confidently in their God-given identity while engaging with the world with spiritual awareness and reliance on God’s strength.
