And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness, 1 John 5:19.
The whole world is truly referred to in this text. It refers first of all to the people of God. And we know that we are of God. It then refers to the rest of the world in the remainder of the verse. And the whole world lieth in wickedness. That is all this world consists of — those who are in Christ and those who are not; those who are of God and those who are of the devil.
Let me first of all say a word to Christians.
I. HERE IS A DELIGHTFUL ASSERTION.
This verse speaks of two truths concerning the child Of God.
1. We are of God. What does that mean?
a). It means, first of all, that we are born of God. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him , verse 1. Wherever you find faith in Christ, victorious opposition to the world and holiness (for these three go together and are inseparable) there you have one born of God. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith, 1 John 5:4. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not , 1 John 5:18. How glorious it is to be a partaker of the divine nature; to be part of the family of God! The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God, Romans 8:16.