The concept of the "worldly order" in the Bible refers to the systems, values, and structures that are opposed to God's kingdom and His divine order. This term encapsulates the secular, often sinful, ways of life that are prevalent in human societies and stand in contrast to the spiritual life that God calls His followers to pursue.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently contrasts the worldly order with the kingdom of God. In 1 John 2:15-17 , believers are admonished, "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 is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever." This passage highlights the transient nature of worldly pursuits and the eternal value of aligning with God's will.

Characteristics of the Worldly Order

1. Materialism and Greed: The worldly order often prioritizes material wealth and possessions. Jesus warns against this in Matthew 6:19-21 , "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

2. Pride and Self-Exaltation: The worldly order encourages self-promotion and pride. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." The Bible consistently teaches humility and submission to God's authority as virtues contrary to worldly pride.

3. Moral Relativism: The worldly order often embraces moral relativism, where truth is subjective and personal. In contrast, the Bible presents God's Word as the ultimate truth. Jesus declares in John 14:6 , "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

4. Conformity to Secular Norms: Romans 12:2 instructs believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This verse calls Christians to resist the pressure to conform to secular norms and instead seek transformation through God's Word.

The Believer's Response

Believers are called to live in the world but not be of the world. In John 17:14-16 , Jesus prays for His disciples, saying, "I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world."

Christians are encouraged to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), influencing society positively while maintaining their distinctiveness as followers of Christ. This involves living out the values of the kingdom of God, such as love, justice, mercy, and humility, in contrast to the values of the worldly order.

Spiritual Warfare

The Bible also describes the worldly order as part of the spiritual warfare that believers face. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Christians are called to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against these forces (Ephesians 6:13-17).

Eschatological Perspective

The Bible teaches that the worldly order is temporary and will ultimately be replaced by God's eternal kingdom. Revelation 21:1-4 describes 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 eschatological hope encourages believers to persevere in faith, knowing that the worldly order will pass away, and God's perfect order will be established forever.