Victorious In Jesus
John talks about overcoming the world, I believe this is in reference to the religious world of the works of the Law. John is not talking about conquering the kingdoms of this world, reforming governments, or acquiring great earthly possessions. He is talking about living lives of faith in Jesus, the Son of God. John says that our faith is the victory that overcomes the world. In Galatians 3:11-12, the Apostle Paul says that the just will live by faith, and the Law is not of faith. The Law is not of faith. However, it is clear to see that the modern-day religious world insists on teaching us that the Law (10 commandments) is of faith, and that we must live by the mixture of the works of the Law and faith. This is not what the Word of God teaches us. If we are under obligation to live by the mixture of Law and faith, Christ’s death on the cross was in vain, because Romans 10:4 says: “For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to every one that believeth”. Furthermore, Romans 11:6 says: “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work”. John says: “this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith”. Notice that he doesn’t say, “our work”, he says, “our faith”. Evidence of victory in our faith is seen when we stand fast in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, refusing to become entangled again with the yoke of bondage under the Law. We are victorious in faith over the world of the works of the Law as we live by faith in Christ alone, far from the works of the Law, because He has delivered us from the curse of the Law by the power of His death, burial, and resurrection.