Evidence of the World's Guilt

The Bible contrasts two groups of people, the world and the elect. Although John uses the word "world" in various ways throughout his book, this passage speaks of the nonelect people of the world or unforgiven part of humanity. The Holy Spirit's presence is evidence that the world is under condemnation, guilty before a perfectly just, holy God. In contrast, Christ calls his elect out of the world unto salvation from judgement. Salvation is not according to man's will, but of God's sovereign choice alone.