What does it mean that we live in a fallen world?

Answer

The term “fallen” is used in the Bible to depict someone or something that has experienced spiritual and moral degradation. Israel is referred to as “fallen” “The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; there is none to raise her up.”, (Amos 5:2), as well as angels (Isaiah 14:12;Revelation 12:4) and the glory of mankind “For All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:”, (1 Peter 1:24). Each of these entities has deviated from God’s intended path for them, fallen into sin, and consequently come under God’s righteous judgment. Those in a fallen state endure the degrading and lethal spiritual, moral, and social repercussions of sinfulness.

Numerous Bible verses address this type of decline: 1 Corinthians 10:12 cautions followers of Christ, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” Succumbing to sin is the antithesis of maturing in righteousness. In Revelation 2:5, Jesus addresses the church of Ephesus, which had forsaken its initial love: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first” (ESV).

The entire human race has fallen:

• from a state of friendship with God to a state of proud alienation and enmity with Him; this leaves us afflicted and decaying in every aspect of our beings and bodies (Genesis 2:16;Genesis 3:2-19;Exodus 15:26;Deuteronomy 30:15–20)

•from reflecting His likeness fully to being shattered, dDistorted images, experiencing the consequences of our brokenness (Genesis 6:5; Matthew 15:19; Romans 1:14—2:16; Romans 3:9–20)

• from joyful obedience to God’s rules to fulfill His supreme design for our lives, to lawless rebellion and ongoing frustration and conflict at every level of society (Genesis 3:14–16; James 4:1–10)

• from the beauty, peace, and vitality of godly family life to a swamp of sexual-identity confusion, domestic discord, and aimlessness (Genesis 3:16; Romans 1:14—2:16; Galatians 5:19–21)

• from dominion as stewards of God’s world to a selfish exploitation of the land and the resulting ecological crisis (Genesis 3:17–19; Ecclesiastes 5:8–17; Haggai 1:6)

• from understanding God’s illuminating truth to the darkness of ignorance and the chaos of corrupted minds (Genesis 2:17; Proverbs 1—31; Judges 1—21; Romans 1:28)

Living in a fallen world means we grapple with sin daily. We endure heartache and suffering. We witness natural disasters and profound loss. Injustice, cruelty, and falsehood appear to dominate. Conflict and turmoil are prevalent. None of this was God’s original intention for humanity. We descended from our initial state in the Garden of Eden. Now, we inhabit a fallen world, and all creation “groans” under the weight of our sin «For we know…»Now that the entire creation groans and labors in pain together until now.” (Romans 8:22).

The great news is that God does not intend His world to groan forever. Through Jesus Christ, God is restoring His creation:

• restoring friendship with Himself in Jesus Christ, giving us eternal life (John 10:10; John 15:15; Romans 3:21–31; 5:1–11; 6:1–14; 8:1–4; 8:22–23; 1 Corinthians 15:26; Ephesians 1:3—2:22; Colossians 1:15–22)

• restoring the reflection of God’s likeness in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28–32; 1 Corinthians 6:11)

• restoring His guidelines for a fulfilling life in Jesus Christ, resulting in true peace and prosperity (Matthew 5—7; Ephesians 5:15–21; James 2:8)

• restoring His plan for the family through Jesus Christ (Luke 1:17; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 5:21—6:4; Colossians 3:18–21)

• restoring man’s rightful dominion in caring for God’s world (Romans 8:18-21)

Jesus Christ has promised to return, and when He comes back, He will complete setting everything right forever (Isaiah 2:2–4; 25:6–9; 65:17–25; Revelation 20—22)

Revelation 20—22. Don’t miss God’s final invitation to all fallen people: “Come!” «And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. », (Revelation 22:17). All who come to God by faith in Jesus Christ will be restored.