Spiritually and biblically speaking, there are only two worlds; one is spiritual, saved, belonging to God, but the other is carnal, sinful, and worldly. There are many different competing political systems in our world. There are likewise many cultures, languages and customs among men. There are the rich and poor, the powerful and weak, the healthy and sick, and the educated and uneducated. There are, admittedly, many distinctions among men. But the single most important distinction of all is the spiritual. The other differences will matter little when we depart this world and enter into God’s eternity. The saved and the lost are evident and visible to those who understand spiritual concepts from God’s Word.

Some try to blur these two bold categories among men. Others even deny that they exist. Therefore, I want to give some evidences that there is a saved world and a lost one. Each person must decide where he stands in relation to God. It is difficult and often wrong for another to make such judgments. But it is not wrong to say that there is a lost world and there is the Kingdom of God.

Even though there is other evidence, the most convincing and powerful of all is biblical evidence. There is a spiritual world of good and evil. There are so many passages that deal with this very thing. In fact, we could say that this is the purpose of the Bible—to teach us about right and wrong, good and evil. Here are some of the major areas of this evidence that there is a lost world.

The Kingdom of God. The existence of this kingdom is evidence that there is a lost world outside that kingdom and a saved world within it. John the Baptist and Jesus both preached that the kingdom of heaven was at hand; therefore, all should repent. (Matt. 3:2, 4:17.) Even as far back as Daniel, the Bible foretold the coming kingdom of God and its nature. Daniel described four kingdoms or empires that belong to men. These kingdoms persecuted the people of God. In fact, the Jews were at that very time in captivity in the first of those kingdoms of men. God would set up his kingdom in the days of the kings of the fourth world Empire. The stone that destroyed the world empires was cut out of the mountain "without hands." (Dan. 2:45.) This phrase is used several times in the Bible to refer to the work of God. (Col. 2:11, 2 Cor. 5:1, Heb. 9:24.)

Paul wrote these words about the kingdom. "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." (Col. 1:13-14.) This identifies the kingdom of God with the saved. Those not in the kingdom are lost. It is a serious matter when the Bible says that some will not be permitted to enter into the eternal or heavenly kingdom of God. Paul asked the Corinthians, "Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?" (1 Cor. 6:9.)

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 7:21.) Therefore, the existence of the Kingdom of God in Scripture is proof that there is saved world and a lost one.

The Existence of Satan. It should not surprise us that those who deny spiritual concepts and truths also desire to dismiss the reality of Satan. This evil one is presented in the Bible to show man the extent of the truth that there exists a lost world and a saved one. Satan tempted Adam and Eve; he challenged the faith of Job, he presumptuously tempted the Lord himself, and Peter wrote that he goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8.)

Paul warned, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Eph. 6:11-13.)

The Cross of Jesus. The death of Jesus on the cruel Roman cross is clear evidence that there exists a lost world. The Bible declares that this is the express reason why Jesus died. He died for our redemption and reconciliation with God. Jesus did not die because a) the Jews wanted to kill him, b) the Roman government was in a political conflict with Jesus, c) Judas betrayed him, d) Peter denied him, or e) he was powerless to defend himself. The principal reason why Jesus died on the cross was because of a lost world.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16.) "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Cor. 5:21.) "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5.)

A place called heaven and hell. Lest we forget, we should recall that Jesus spoke often about heaven and hell. These final destinies have not gone away; liberal theologians have not been able to remove them from God’s Word. Millions have already entered into those realms.

"And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." (Matt. 25:46.) "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom." (Luke 16:19-23.)

"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth. They that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." (John 5:28-29.) These passages about heaven and hell should remind us that there is a lost world and a saved one.

If anyone doubts the lostness of our world, just look around at what is happening. Because changes come gradually, many are not able to see what has happened. When the present sinfulness is pointed out, some actually defend. Some seek to justify it or dismiss it. Some criticize the one who does it saying that he is an old-time Puritan or out of step with the modern world.

Several times in the biblical history writers called attention to the present evil in the world. Moses recorded the Lord’s own response to what was going on in Noah’s day. Moses wrote, "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." (Gen. 6:5-8.) On another occasion, the prophet Ezekiel wrote that the house of Israel had become so sinful that if Noah, Daniel and Job were in it, they would save only their own souls by their righteousness." (Ezekiel 14:14, 20.) The apostle Paul surveyed the history of the Gentiles and Jews, and declared that there was none righteous; no not one. He reminded them of their idolatry, adultery and homosexuality. Paul said that the Jews verbally condemned those things, but were guilty of the same. (Rom. 2:1.)

Debate in Mass. Over Same-Sex Marriages. One evidence of our lost world is the present debate over giving approbation and approval to sinful unions of homosexuals. The lost have always wanted the approval of the government, of society, and the Church for what they do. They even want the approval of God! One marcher in Boston this week was carrying a sign that read "God Approves of Gay Marriages." Since the Episcopalians have given their approval, they are now gaining the support of churches. There are other churches that likewise support same-sex marriages.

Our tacit acceptance of abortion. Do you remember abortion? It was publicly approved by our Supreme Court justices in 1973. Just in case some may not understand, just because nine justices dressed in black robes approve of some deed does not mean that God does! We are quickly marching into the center of the wrath of the Almighty God.

Let me remind you of some facts about abortion: 1) In the US, we abort about 1.6 million babies each year. About 55 million are aborted around the world. 2) In the Vietnam War, the US lost 58, 665 young soldiers. We abort that many children every 12 days. 3) There are now more abortions in major cities in the US than live births. Richmond aborts 9610 and delivers 7674. 4) Since 1973, Americans have aborted more babies than the entire population of Canada.

While all of this is going on, we tacitly give our approval. We would not announce it, but we quietly sit by while innocent children suffer. As a country we do not demand that our government reverse this decision. We are divided about 50/50 now. We cannot change the law because we cannot change who the lawmakers and justices are. Americans voted them into office and supported their decisions. We are as guilty as they are!

I want to appeal to a third witness that our world is lost. That witness is our own conscience. Note these passages:

"For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel." (Rom. 2:14-16.)

The accusers of the adulterous woman could not cast the first stone. Jesus challenged them by saying if you are without sin cast the first stone. That is what the law required. Then the Bible says, "And when they heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest even unto the last." (John 8:9.)

What does your conscience say about your spiritual condition? It is God who gave us his Word by which we can know his will for us. This is how we know that there is a lost world and a saved one. But it is also God who gave us a conscience to guide us morally as live. I once heard an excellent presentation on the role of the human conscience by Dr. Gerald Turner (at the time he was the Chancellor of the University of Mississippi). In expressing the value and positive role of the conscience, he said that our conscience is all that we have during the day when we make decisions. We do not stop and go read the Bible. We make decisions based upon what we have already understood up to that point and what we decide about our moral behavior. What have you decided?

For those who are young, what does your conscience tell you about your moral purity? At school and on dates, almost anything is acceptable by the standards of our lost world. Exposing oneself at the Super Bowl half time is just a laugh to those who are lost. But I am appealing to your conscience. You conscience will do either of these two things: it will either accuse you or excuse you. But if you keep violating your conscience, soon it won’t bother you so much.

"Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." (Titus 1:15.)

What does your conscience tell you about the church? It once mattered at lot. The young enjoy Bible stories and the fellowship of others. During the teen years, many turn their interest away from the church. Wonder why? Jesus explained why young and old turn away. He said, "This is the condemnation that light is come into the world and men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil." (John 3:19.) If we were honest with ourselves, wouldn’t we say that we know that we should be more faithful, more interested, and more devoted?

What does your conscience tell you about your life? Jesus made it clear that what we say and do come from within our hearts. Some Christians have already given up the race. They have decided that it does not matter to them any more. I believe that each person knows where he stands with God. Be assure; there is a lost world and a saved one. (Matt. 7:13-14.)