What does it mean that we live in a fallen world?

TL;DR:

Living in a fallen world means living in a world that is short of God’s desire for us. Although we live in a fallen world, God has promised that He will one day restore all that sin and death has destroyed.

what does the bible say?

When we talk about something that is "fallen," we are referring to a person or thing that is morally and spiritually flawed—something that falls short of God's standard of perfection. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden, we have lived in a fallen world, which is why this event is known as the fall (Genesis 3). Adam and Eve's disobedience allowed sin to enter and rule the world, and it will be this way until Jesus returns (Revelation 11:15). Yet, the fall is not final; God does and will redeem! In the final restoration when Christ returns, all will be made new (1 Corinthians 15; 2 Peter 3:8–13; Revelation 21—22). We will no longer live in a fallen world marred by sin and death. In the meantime, we must remember that God is able to keep us from stumbling (Jude 1:24–25). We can live as lights in this world, not perfect, but following the One who is and who promises to one day restore all that sin and death has destroyed.

from the old testament

The world is fallen because of sin. Genesis 3 describes the Fall of humanity through Adam and Eve's disobedience, introducing sin and suffering into the world.
Throughout the Bible, many things are described as being fallen or having fallen. There are angels who have fallen and become demons (Isaiah 14:12).
The nation of Israel is called "fallen" (Amos 5:2).
King Saul fell from God's favor as a result of his sin (1 Samuel 15:10–11).
The curses in Genesis 3 describe a break in relationship between humans and God, humans and humans, and humans and the rest of creation. We experience these breaks all the time; the world in which we currently reside is not as it was created to be. Disease impacts our bodies, relationships can be difficult and hurtful, deception and injustice are rampant, work can feel toilsome instead of lifegiving, and all people eventually die.
Though our world is fallen, God promised a Savior (Genesis 3:15).

from the new testament

Jesus acknowledges the reality of suffering that comes with living in a fallen, broken world, stating, " In the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33). Yet, the Bible also teaches that God uses the difficulties of this life for good. For example, trials can produce endurance and character (James 1:2–4).
Romans 8:22–23 explains what it feels like to live in this fallen world: "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."
Despite the fall, God’s plan of redemption is central. Jesus’ death and resurrection provide hope and restoration (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).
Believers are called to live by faith, trusting in God's promises and grace (Hebrews 11:1). They are encouraged to remain steadfast and to focus on what is eternal, rather than on the temporary things of this fallen, broken world (2 Corinthians 4:17–18).
Believers are warned not to fall: "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:12–13). Jude 1:24–25 encourages us that God keeps us from stumbling.
The Church is, in part, a community that supports and encourages one another in the midst of a fallen world (Galatians 6:2, 10; Hebrews 10:24–25).
The Bible assures believers of future restoration and eternal life, where there will be no more suffering or death (Revelation 21:4). He will restore all that is broken in this fallen world.

implications for today

Living in a fallen world can be difficult and discouraging. We experience broken relationships, both among humans and between humanity and creation, as the consequences of sin continue to affect our lives. The reality of death, evil, and suffering—such as natural disasters and the negative effects of our own and others' sin—reminds us that we are still bound by the effects of the fall. Despite the hope found in Christ, we continue to struggle with sin and its consequences. We can't change the fact that the world in which we live is fallen and ruled by sin, but we can be thankful for the grace of God that "has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age" (Titus 2:11–12, emphasis added). Instead of falling, we have the power to remain upright: "waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works" (Titus 2:13–14). We can also trust that God is able to keep us from stumbling and therefore joyfully proclaim, "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen" (Jude 1:24–25).

understand

The fall introduced sin and suffering into the world, causing moral and spiritual brokenness.
The fallen state affects personal and societal experiences, resulting in pain, injustice, and suffering.
God promises ultimate redemption and renewal through Jesus Christ, restoring all that is broken.

reflect

How do you personally experience the effects of living in a fallen world? How does that challenge your faith?
In what specific ways can you see God’s redemption and grace at work in your life despite the brokenness around you?
What practical steps can you take to reflect the hope of Christ's future restoration in your daily interactions and struggles?

engage

Part of living in a fallen world means not only do we experience the consequences of sin in a general sense and of our own personal sins, but we are affected by the ways others around us go against God.
What is a believer’s role in living in a fallen world? How does living for God impact the reality of living in a fallen world?
In the context of living in a fallen world, how can we effectively balance our efforts to influence or change cultural norms with recognition that only God can fully restore the effects of living in a fallen world?