Who is Ruling the World, Really?

Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED blog post, the only blog that shamefully confesses it used to have a drug problem. It was drugged to church every Sunday morning, it was drugged to church every Sunday evening, and it was drugged to church every Wednesday night.

Update: There is less than 2 months until my new book The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded releases. Mark your calendars for March 4. We are giving away some nice bonuses to all who get it during – not before – launch week.

The following question has perplexed many Christians. And that question is: Who is really running things on this planet right now?

The Bible is clear. It’s Jesus, right?

For example: The term “Lord Jesus” appears 102 times in the New Testament (ESV), indicating that Jesus, and not Caesar, is the world’s true and rightful Lord.

Also these texts:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matthew 28:18

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Philippians 2:10-11

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

But wait. The Bible gives a different answer as well. It’s actually satan (the devil) who is ruling the world, right? For example:

“The devil…showed him all the kingdoms of the world…and said to him, ‘To you I will give all this authority.'” Luke 4:5-6

“Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.” John 12:31

Ah, but these verses are referring to what was true before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, correct?

Yes, but that doesn’t solve the quandary because the following texts were penned after the resurrection of Christ:

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.” 2 Corinthians 4:4

“The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19

“The prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.”  Ephesians 2:2

So how do we make sense of this? Who really is ruling the world right now?

A few things to consider.

The Greek word kosmos (κόσμος)

This term often refers to the world system or order, particularly the fallen human system operating in opposition to God.

For example, when John writes “love not the world” (1 John 2:15), he uses kosmos to refer to the world system which is organized against God. (I’ve written at length about the world system in Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom if you want details.)

The Greek word aiōn (αἰών)

This word appears in 2 Corinthians 4:4 when referring to satan as the “god of this world/age,” suggesting temporal authority over the current age’s systems of the world.

The “present evil age” in Galatians 1:4 also uses this term.

So what do we have?

Satan’s influence is temporary, limited to the fallen world system operating in the current age. In contrast, Christ’s lordship represents ultimate and eternal authority, as reflected in Jesus’ statement that “my kingdom is not from this world” (John 18:36).

(That text was discussed recently in some depth in episode 146 of The Insurgence Podcast.)

While satan is called theos (god) of this age, Jesus is the kyrios (Lord) of creation. These terms carry different connotations in biblical usage.

Satan’s role as “god of this world” represents limited authority permitted by God, primarily focusing on his ability to deceive and influence unbelievers and control the fallen world system.

This differs fundamentally from Christ’s absolute authority as creator and sustainer of all things (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3).

The New Testament presents a concept of two ages: the present age and the age to come.

Satan’s influence is confined to the present evil age and the “world system” that he runs. Christ’s influence is a lordship that transcends both ages and stands over the entire universe.

This understanding is supported by two passages:

“The whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19) – referring to the world system of this age.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18) – referring to Christ’s ultimate sovereignty over all creation in all ages.

The context of 2 Corinthians 4:4 specifically addresses Satan’s role in spiritual blindness and deception, rather than a legitimate authority over creation.

This framework explains how the New Testament authors can acknowledge Satan’s influence while maintaining Christ’s supreme lordship. It also helps resolve the apparent contradiction by understanding Satan’s domain as limited to the corrupt world system, while recognizing Jesus’ lordship over all creation, including that system, but extending far beyond it.

Chapter 7 of my book Jesus Now: Unveiling the Present-Day Ministry of Jesus Christ is entitled “Lord of the World.”

In it, I argue that since Jesus rose again from the dead and launched the new creation, He now sits as the CEO in the heavenly realm ruling the world. However, it is our job – the task of His people – armed with His power and authority to implement that rule.

The chapter gives details on how we advance the kingdom through works of faith that bear the remarkable fingerprints of Christ.

What’s interesting to me, as well as alarming, is that some Christians have no concept that satan is still operating as god of the world system. Nor are they in touch with the implications of it.

If you happen to be one of them, or you know someone who is, I delve deep into this truth in the book Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom and also The Insurgence Podcast, which I hope you are subscribed to.

Until next Thursday.

Your brother,

fv