Okay. Let me start by saying that I do not have a Greek lexicon so I'm asking for some assistance. I have often said that in certain verses the word "world" is used differently. Not many would oppose this view. However, there seems to be some opposition to my view that in the following verse the phrase "the world" does not mean everyone:
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Then, in the following verse we are told that we are to separate ourselves from the world:
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Obviously the Romans passage isn't referring to the planet earth. And as Christians we know that we are to not be conformed to the world of the ungodly, right? So that's what it must be talking about. Now, if the phrase "the world" is used to signify the world of fallen man, could it be used to specify the world of believers? And, if that is a possibility, is there a different Greek word to differentiate between these two uses of the word "world?" And, if you have not based your understanding of the use of the word "world" on the Greek word usage, how do you come to differentiate on your own? Is there some contextual insight you have gleaned?
And, one last thing, how do your reconcile the belief that God loves all mankind (if you believe that) with the following:
Romans 9:13
As it is written, "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated."
Thanks for your help.
God bless
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Then, in the following verse we are told that we are to separate ourselves from the world:
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Obviously the Romans passage isn't referring to the planet earth. And as Christians we know that we are to not be conformed to the world of the ungodly, right? So that's what it must be talking about. Now, if the phrase "the world" is used to signify the world of fallen man, could it be used to specify the world of believers? And, if that is a possibility, is there a different Greek word to differentiate between these two uses of the word "world?" And, if you have not based your understanding of the use of the word "world" on the Greek word usage, how do you come to differentiate on your own? Is there some contextual insight you have gleaned?
And, one last thing, how do your reconcile the belief that God loves all mankind (if you believe that) with the following:
Romans 9:13
As it is written, "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated."
Thanks for your help.
God bless