August 20

“Now is the judgment of this world.” John 12:31

In the New Testament when the word kosmos is used for the world, it refers not only to the material universe and its inhabitants but also to worldly affairs, the whole circle of worldly goods, riches, advantages, pleasures, which though hollow and fleeting stir our desires and seduce us from God. Since the day when Adam opened the door for evil to enter God’s creation, this world order has shown itself hostile to God.

When Jesus states that the sentence of judgment has been passed upon this world, he does not mean that the material world or its inhabitants are already judged. For them, the judgment is yet to come. What is here judged is that institution, that harmonious world order of which Satan himself is the originator and head. Scripture thus gives depth to our understanding of the world around us. Indeed, unless we appreciate that the unseen powers behind material things are satanic, we may readily be seduced by them.