The Hope Of Everlasting Life
What a wonderful prospect awaits faithful ones, to know that God will forever shower down on them an overflow of spiritual and material benefits! The psalmist rightly said: "You are opening your hand and satisfying the [proper] desire of every living thing." (Psalm 145:16) Jehovah encourages those of the earthly class to have this hope of life in Paradise as part of their faith in him. While the issue of Jehovah's sovereignty ismoe important, he does not ask people to serve him with no prospect of a reward. Throughout the Bible, loyalty to God and the hope of eternal life are inseparably bound together as necessary parts of a Christian's faith in God. "He that approaches God must believe that he is an dthat he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." - Hebrews 11:6.
Jesus said: "This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." (John 17:3) Here he tied in knowing God and his purposes with the reward that this brings. As an example, when a wrongdoer asked to be remembered after Jesus came into his Kingdom, Jesus said: " You will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43) He did not tell the man to have faith even if he did not get a reward. He knew that Jehovah wants his servants to have the hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth to help sustain them as they meet with various trials in this world. Thus, looking forward to the reward is a vital help in enduring as a Christian.
Next time: The Future Of The Kingdom
12.30.2006
12.27.2006
Jehovah's Sovereignty Vindicated
By the end of the thousand years of Kingdom rule, the human family will have been restored to perfection of mind and body. The earth will be a global garden of Eden, a paradise. Peace, happiness, security and a loving human society will have been attained. Never in human history before Kingdom rule was anything like this seen. What a vast contrast will then have been demonstrated between the previous thousands of years of miserable rulership by humans and the magnificent rulership by God's heavenly Kingdom of a thousand years! The rule of God through his Kingdom will have been shown to be completely superior in every respect. God's right to rule, his sovereignty, will have been totally vindicated .
At the end of the thousand years, Jehovah will allow perfect humans to exercise their free choice as to whom they want to serve. The Bible shows that "Satan will be let loose out of his prison." He will again try to mislead humans, some of whom will choose independence from God. To prevent 'distress from rising up a second time,' Jehovah will annihilate Satan, his demons, and all who rebel against Jehovah's sovereignty. No one could object that any humans who are destroyed eternally at that time did not have a chance or that their wrong course was due to imperfection. No, they will be like perfect Adam and Eve, who willingly chose to rebel against Jehovah's righteous rule. - Revelation 20:7-10; Nahum 1:9.
On the other hand, likely the vast majority of people will choose to uphold Jehovah's sovereignty. With every rebel annihilated, the righteous will stand before Jehovah, having passed the final test of loyalty. These loyal ones will then be accepted by Jehovah as his sons and daughters. They therefore come back into the relationship that Adam and Eve had with God before they rebelled. Hence, Romans 8:21 will be fulfilled: " The creation itself [humankind] also will be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the children of God." The prophet Isaiah foretells: "[God] will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces." - Isaiah 25:8.
Next time: The Hope Of Everlasting Life
By the end of the thousand years of Kingdom rule, the human family will have been restored to perfection of mind and body. The earth will be a global garden of Eden, a paradise. Peace, happiness, security and a loving human society will have been attained. Never in human history before Kingdom rule was anything like this seen. What a vast contrast will then have been demonstrated between the previous thousands of years of miserable rulership by humans and the magnificent rulership by God's heavenly Kingdom of a thousand years! The rule of God through his Kingdom will have been shown to be completely superior in every respect. God's right to rule, his sovereignty, will have been totally vindicated .
At the end of the thousand years, Jehovah will allow perfect humans to exercise their free choice as to whom they want to serve. The Bible shows that "Satan will be let loose out of his prison." He will again try to mislead humans, some of whom will choose independence from God. To prevent 'distress from rising up a second time,' Jehovah will annihilate Satan, his demons, and all who rebel against Jehovah's sovereignty. No one could object that any humans who are destroyed eternally at that time did not have a chance or that their wrong course was due to imperfection. No, they will be like perfect Adam and Eve, who willingly chose to rebel against Jehovah's righteous rule. - Revelation 20:7-10; Nahum 1:9.
On the other hand, likely the vast majority of people will choose to uphold Jehovah's sovereignty. With every rebel annihilated, the righteous will stand before Jehovah, having passed the final test of loyalty. These loyal ones will then be accepted by Jehovah as his sons and daughters. They therefore come back into the relationship that Adam and Eve had with God before they rebelled. Hence, Romans 8:21 will be fulfilled: " The creation itself [humankind] also will be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the children of God." The prophet Isaiah foretells: "[God] will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces." - Isaiah 25:8.
Next time: The Hope Of Everlasting Life
12.25.2006
A Marvelous New World
After Armageddon, God's Kingdom will usher in a marvelous "new earth" in which "righteousness is to dwell." (2 Peter 3:13) What a tremendous relief it will be for Armageddon survivors to be rid of this oppressive wicked system of things! How delighted they will be to have entered the righteous new world under the heavenly Kingdom government, with marvelous blessings and everlasting life in view! - Revelation 7:9-17.
No more will people be threatened by war, crime, hunger or even predatory animals. " I will conclude with [my people] a covenant of peace, and I shall certainly cause the injurious wild beast to cease out of the land... and the tree of the field must give its fruitage, and the land itself will give its yield, and they will actually prove to be on their soil in security." "They will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no more making them tremble." - Ezekiel 34:25-28; Micah 4:3, 4.
Sickness, sorrow and even death will be eliminated. "No resident will say: "I am sick.' The people that are dwelling in the land will be those pardoned for their error." (Isaiah 33:24) "[God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.... Look! I am making all things new.' " (Revelation 21:4, 5) When he was on earth, Jesus demonstrated his ability to do those things by the power that God had given him. With the backing of the holy spirit, Jesus went throughout the land healing the lame and curing the sick.- Matthew 15:30, 31.
Jesus did even more. He raised the dead. How did humble people react? When he resurrected a 12-year - old girl, her parents "were beside themselves with great ecstasy." (Mark 5:42) This was another example of what Jesus will do earth wide under Kingdom rule, for then "there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." (Acts 24:15) Imagine the great ecstasy when group after group of the dead come back to life and are reunited with their loved ones! No doubt there will be a great educational work under Kingdom supervision so that "the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea." - Isaiah 11:9.
Next time: Jehovah's Sovereignty Vindicated
After Armageddon, God's Kingdom will usher in a marvelous "new earth" in which "righteousness is to dwell." (2 Peter 3:13) What a tremendous relief it will be for Armageddon survivors to be rid of this oppressive wicked system of things! How delighted they will be to have entered the righteous new world under the heavenly Kingdom government, with marvelous blessings and everlasting life in view! - Revelation 7:9-17.
No more will people be threatened by war, crime, hunger or even predatory animals. " I will conclude with [my people] a covenant of peace, and I shall certainly cause the injurious wild beast to cease out of the land... and the tree of the field must give its fruitage, and the land itself will give its yield, and they will actually prove to be on their soil in security." "They will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no more making them tremble." - Ezekiel 34:25-28; Micah 4:3, 4.
Sickness, sorrow and even death will be eliminated. "No resident will say: "I am sick.' The people that are dwelling in the land will be those pardoned for their error." (Isaiah 33:24) "[God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.... Look! I am making all things new.' " (Revelation 21:4, 5) When he was on earth, Jesus demonstrated his ability to do those things by the power that God had given him. With the backing of the holy spirit, Jesus went throughout the land healing the lame and curing the sick.- Matthew 15:30, 31.
Jesus did even more. He raised the dead. How did humble people react? When he resurrected a 12-year - old girl, her parents "were beside themselves with great ecstasy." (Mark 5:42) This was another example of what Jesus will do earth wide under Kingdom rule, for then "there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." (Acts 24:15) Imagine the great ecstasy when group after group of the dead come back to life and are reunited with their loved ones! No doubt there will be a great educational work under Kingdom supervision so that "the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea." - Isaiah 11:9.
Next time: Jehovah's Sovereignty Vindicated
12.24.2006
Inheriting The Earth
Just as God cleansed Canaan, he will soon cleanse the entire earth and give it to those who will do his will. "The upright are the ones that will reside in the earth, and the blameless are the ones that will be left over in it. As regards the wicked, they will be cut off from the very earth." (Proverbs 2:21, 22) And the psalmist says: "Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more... But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exqisite delight in the abundance of peace." ( Psalm 37:10, 11) Also removed will be Satan, so that "he might not mislead the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended." (Revelation 20:1-3) Yes, "the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." - John 2:17.
Summing up the grand hope for those who want to live forever on earth, Jesus said: " Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5) Likely he was referring to Psalm 37:29, which foretold: " The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." Jesus knew that it was Jehovah's purpose to have righthearted ones live on a paradise earth forever. Jehovah says: "I myself have made the earth, mankind and the beasts that upon the surface of the earth by my great power...., and I have given it to whom it has proved right in my eyes." - Jeremiah 27:5
Next time: A Marvelous New World
Just as God cleansed Canaan, he will soon cleanse the entire earth and give it to those who will do his will. "The upright are the ones that will reside in the earth, and the blameless are the ones that will be left over in it. As regards the wicked, they will be cut off from the very earth." (Proverbs 2:21, 22) And the psalmist says: "Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more... But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exqisite delight in the abundance of peace." ( Psalm 37:10, 11) Also removed will be Satan, so that "he might not mislead the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended." (Revelation 20:1-3) Yes, "the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." - John 2:17.
Summing up the grand hope for those who want to live forever on earth, Jesus said: " Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5) Likely he was referring to Psalm 37:29, which foretold: " The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." Jesus knew that it was Jehovah's purpose to have righthearted ones live on a paradise earth forever. Jehovah says: "I myself have made the earth, mankind and the beasts that upon the surface of the earth by my great power...., and I have given it to whom it has proved right in my eyes." - Jeremiah 27:5
Next time: A Marvelous New World
12.21.2006
The End Of Wickedness
For thousands of years, Jehovah God has tolerated wickedness, long enough for right hearted individuals to se that human rule is a catastophe. For example, in the 20th century alone, more than 150 million people were killed in wars, revolutions and other civil disorders, according to one source. Man's viciousness was especially seen during World War II when some 50 million were killed, with many of them dying horrible deaths in Nazi concentration camps. Just as the Bible foretold, in our time, 'wicked men and imposters have advanced from bad to worse.' (2Timothy 3:1-5, 13) Today, immorality, crime, violence, corruption and contempt for God's standards are rampant. Thus, Jehovah is fully justified in bringing this wicked system to its end.
The situation now is similar to that in Canaan some 3,500 years ago. The Bible says "Everything detestable to Jehovah that he does hate they have done to their gods, for even their sons and their daughters they regularly burned in the fire to their gods." - (Deuteronomy 12:31) Jehovah informed the nation of Israel: " IT is for the wickedness of these nations that Jehovah your God is driving them away from before you." (Deuteronomy 9:5) Bible historian Henry H. Halley noted: "The worship of Baal, Astoreth and other Canaanite gods consisted in the most extravagant orgies; their temples were centers of vice."
Halley showed how gross their wickedness had become, for in one of many such areas, archaeologists "found great numbers of jars containing the remains of children who had been sacrificed to Baal." He said: " The whole area proved to be a cemetery for new-born babies.... Canaanites worshiped, by immoral indulgence, as a religious rite; in the presence of their gods; and then, by mudering their first-born children, as a sacrifice to these same gods. It seems that, in large measure, the land of Canaan had become a sort of Sodom and Gomorrah on a national scale... Did a civilization of such abominable filth and brutality have any right longer to exist? .... Archaeologists who dig in the ruins of Canaanite cities wonder that God did not destroy them sooner than he did."
Next time: Inheriting The Earth
For thousands of years, Jehovah God has tolerated wickedness, long enough for right hearted individuals to se that human rule is a catastophe. For example, in the 20th century alone, more than 150 million people were killed in wars, revolutions and other civil disorders, according to one source. Man's viciousness was especially seen during World War II when some 50 million were killed, with many of them dying horrible deaths in Nazi concentration camps. Just as the Bible foretold, in our time, 'wicked men and imposters have advanced from bad to worse.' (2Timothy 3:1-5, 13) Today, immorality, crime, violence, corruption and contempt for God's standards are rampant. Thus, Jehovah is fully justified in bringing this wicked system to its end.
The situation now is similar to that in Canaan some 3,500 years ago. The Bible says "Everything detestable to Jehovah that he does hate they have done to their gods, for even their sons and their daughters they regularly burned in the fire to their gods." - (Deuteronomy 12:31) Jehovah informed the nation of Israel: " IT is for the wickedness of these nations that Jehovah your God is driving them away from before you." (Deuteronomy 9:5) Bible historian Henry H. Halley noted: "The worship of Baal, Astoreth and other Canaanite gods consisted in the most extravagant orgies; their temples were centers of vice."
Halley showed how gross their wickedness had become, for in one of many such areas, archaeologists "found great numbers of jars containing the remains of children who had been sacrificed to Baal." He said: " The whole area proved to be a cemetery for new-born babies.... Canaanites worshiped, by immoral indulgence, as a religious rite; in the presence of their gods; and then, by mudering their first-born children, as a sacrifice to these same gods. It seems that, in large measure, the land of Canaan had become a sort of Sodom and Gomorrah on a national scale... Did a civilization of such abominable filth and brutality have any right longer to exist? .... Archaeologists who dig in the ruins of Canaanite cities wonder that God did not destroy them sooner than he did."
Next time: Inheriting The Earth
12.17.2006
What God's Kingdom Will Do
When Jesus taught his followers to pray for God's Kingdom, he knew that its coming would bring an end to thousands of years of human rule independant from God. During all that time, God's will was not being done on earth in general. (Psalm 147:19, 20) But after the establishment of the Kingdom in heaven, God's will is to be done every where. The time for the all-inspiring transition from human rule to God's heavenly Kingdom rule is getting very near.
Marking this transition will be the period of time that Jesus called the "great tribulation such as not occurred since the world's beginning until now, no, nor will occur again." (Matthew 24:21) The Bible does not say how long that time period is to be, but the calamities that are to take place during it will be worse than anything the world has ever seen. At the beginning of the great tribulation, something will happen that will be a severe shock to most people on earth: the destruction of all false religion. That will not be a shock to Jehovah's Witnesses, for they have long anticipated this. (Revelation17:1, 15-17; 18:1-24) The great tribulation ends at Armageddon when God's Kingdom crushes the entire Satanic system.- Daniel 2:44; Revelation 16:14, 16.
What will this mean to people "who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news" about his heavenly Kingdom in the hands of Christ? (2Thessalonians 1:6-9) Bible prophecy tells us: "Look! a calamity is going forth from nation to nation, and a great tempest itself will be roused up from the remotest parts of the earth. And those slain by Jehovah will certainly come to be in that day from one end of the earth clear to the other end of the earth. They will not be bewailed, neither will they be gathered up or be buried. As manure on the surface of the ground they will become." - Jeremiah 25:32,33.
Next time: The End Of Wickedness
When Jesus taught his followers to pray for God's Kingdom, he knew that its coming would bring an end to thousands of years of human rule independant from God. During all that time, God's will was not being done on earth in general. (Psalm 147:19, 20) But after the establishment of the Kingdom in heaven, God's will is to be done every where. The time for the all-inspiring transition from human rule to God's heavenly Kingdom rule is getting very near.
Marking this transition will be the period of time that Jesus called the "great tribulation such as not occurred since the world's beginning until now, no, nor will occur again." (Matthew 24:21) The Bible does not say how long that time period is to be, but the calamities that are to take place during it will be worse than anything the world has ever seen. At the beginning of the great tribulation, something will happen that will be a severe shock to most people on earth: the destruction of all false religion. That will not be a shock to Jehovah's Witnesses, for they have long anticipated this. (Revelation17:1, 15-17; 18:1-24) The great tribulation ends at Armageddon when God's Kingdom crushes the entire Satanic system.- Daniel 2:44; Revelation 16:14, 16.
What will this mean to people "who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news" about his heavenly Kingdom in the hands of Christ? (2Thessalonians 1:6-9) Bible prophecy tells us: "Look! a calamity is going forth from nation to nation, and a great tempest itself will be roused up from the remotest parts of the earth. And those slain by Jehovah will certainly come to be in that day from one end of the earth clear to the other end of the earth. They will not be bewailed, neither will they be gathered up or be buried. As manure on the surface of the ground they will become." - Jeremiah 25:32,33.
Next time: The End Of Wickedness
12.15.2006
The Gift Of Free Will
Why would Jehovah let humans go their own way? Because he created them with the marvelous gift of free will, the faculty of freedom of choice. "Where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom," said the apostle Paul. (2 Corinthians 3:17) No one wants to be a robot, having someone else decide every second of the day what he will say and do. But Jehovah required humans to use that gift of free will repsonsibility, to see the wisdom of doing his will and remaining subject to him. (Galatians 5:13) So freedom was not to be absolute, as that would result in anarchy. There was to be a regulating of it within the boundaries of God's benevolent laws.
By letting the human family go its own way, God has, once and for all time, demonstrated that we need his rulership. His way of ruling, his sovereignty, is the only right way. It results in the greatest happiness, satisfaction and prosperity. This is because our minds and bodies were designed by Jehovah to work best when in harmony with his laws. "I, Jehovah am your God, the one teaching you to benefit yourself, the one causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk." (Isaiah 48:17) Free choice within the boundaries of God's laws would not be burdensome but would result in a delightful variety of food, homes, art, and music. Properly exercised, free will would have resulted in a wonderful, ever fascinating life on a paradise earth.
But because of their bad choice, humans alienated themselves from Jehovah, becoming imperfect, degenerating and dying. So they would need to be redeemed from that sad condition and brought back into a perfect relationship with God as his sons and daughters. The agency God chose to accomplish this is the Kingdom, and the Redeemer is Jesus Christ. (John 3:16) Through this arrangement, truly repentant ones - like the prodigal son of Jesus' illustration - will be reconciled to God and accepted back by him as his children. - Luke 15:11-24; Romans 8:21; 2 Corinthians 6:18.
Without fail, Jehovah's will is going to be accomplished on earth. (Isaiah 14:24, 27; 55:11) By means of his Kingdom under Christ, God will fully vindicate (justify or prove) his right to be our Sovereign. The Kingdom will bring an end to human and demon rule over this earth, and it alone will rule from heaven for a thousand years. (Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:1-6) But during that time, how will the superiority of Jehovah's way of ruling be demonstrated? And after the thousand years , what role will the Kingdom have? The following article will consider these questions.
Next time: What God's Kingdom Will Do
Why would Jehovah let humans go their own way? Because he created them with the marvelous gift of free will, the faculty of freedom of choice. "Where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom," said the apostle Paul. (2 Corinthians 3:17) No one wants to be a robot, having someone else decide every second of the day what he will say and do. But Jehovah required humans to use that gift of free will repsonsibility, to see the wisdom of doing his will and remaining subject to him. (Galatians 5:13) So freedom was not to be absolute, as that would result in anarchy. There was to be a regulating of it within the boundaries of God's benevolent laws.
By letting the human family go its own way, God has, once and for all time, demonstrated that we need his rulership. His way of ruling, his sovereignty, is the only right way. It results in the greatest happiness, satisfaction and prosperity. This is because our minds and bodies were designed by Jehovah to work best when in harmony with his laws. "I, Jehovah am your God, the one teaching you to benefit yourself, the one causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk." (Isaiah 48:17) Free choice within the boundaries of God's laws would not be burdensome but would result in a delightful variety of food, homes, art, and music. Properly exercised, free will would have resulted in a wonderful, ever fascinating life on a paradise earth.
But because of their bad choice, humans alienated themselves from Jehovah, becoming imperfect, degenerating and dying. So they would need to be redeemed from that sad condition and brought back into a perfect relationship with God as his sons and daughters. The agency God chose to accomplish this is the Kingdom, and the Redeemer is Jesus Christ. (John 3:16) Through this arrangement, truly repentant ones - like the prodigal son of Jesus' illustration - will be reconciled to God and accepted back by him as his children. - Luke 15:11-24; Romans 8:21; 2 Corinthians 6:18.
Without fail, Jehovah's will is going to be accomplished on earth. (Isaiah 14:24, 27; 55:11) By means of his Kingdom under Christ, God will fully vindicate (justify or prove) his right to be our Sovereign. The Kingdom will bring an end to human and demon rule over this earth, and it alone will rule from heaven for a thousand years. (Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:1-6) But during that time, how will the superiority of Jehovah's way of ruling be demonstrated? And after the thousand years , what role will the Kingdom have? The following article will consider these questions.
Next time: What God's Kingdom Will Do
12.14.2006
"It Does Not Belong To Man"
However, humans - even ones -would forever need Jehovah's rule. Why? Because Jehovah did not create them with the capacity for being successfully independent of his rule. That is a law of humankind, as the prophet Jeremiah acknowledged: " I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step. Correct me, O Jehovah." (Jeremiah 10:23, 24) It would be folly for humans to think that they could successfully regulate society without Jehovah ruling them. It would be contrary to the way they were made. Independence from Jehovah's rule would, without fail, result in selfishness, hate, cruelty, violence , wars and death. "Man would dominate man to his injury.' Eccelesiastes 8:9.
Sadly, our first parents decided that they did not need God as their Ruler, and they chose to live independently from him... As a result, God no longer sustained them in perfection. They were now like an electric appliance cut of from its source of power. So in time, They would slow down and stop - in death.... They became like a defective pattern, and that condition was all they could pass on to their offspring. (Romans 5:12) "The Rock [Jehovah], perfect in his activity, for all his ways are justice... They have acted ruinously on their own part; they are not his children, the defect is their own." (Deuteronomy 32:4, 5) True, Adam and Eve were influenced by the rebel spirit creature who became Satan, but they had perfect minds and could have rejected his wrong suggestions. - Genesis 3:1-19; James 4:7
History testifies abundantly to the result of independence from God. For thousands of years, people have tried every form of human government, every economic and social system. Yet, wickedness continues to "advance from bad to worse." (2Timothy 3:13) The 20th century proved that. It was filled with vicious hatreds and the most violence, warfare, hunger, poverty and suffering of any time in history. And no matter what medical advances have been made, sooner or later everyone dies. (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) By trying to direct their own steps, humans have allowed themselves to become prey to Satan and his demons, so much so that the Bible calls Satan "the God of this system of things."-2 Corinthians 4:4.
Next time: The Gift Of Free Will
However, humans - even ones -would forever need Jehovah's rule. Why? Because Jehovah did not create them with the capacity for being successfully independent of his rule. That is a law of humankind, as the prophet Jeremiah acknowledged: " I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step. Correct me, O Jehovah." (Jeremiah 10:23, 24) It would be folly for humans to think that they could successfully regulate society without Jehovah ruling them. It would be contrary to the way they were made. Independence from Jehovah's rule would, without fail, result in selfishness, hate, cruelty, violence , wars and death. "Man would dominate man to his injury.' Eccelesiastes 8:9.
Sadly, our first parents decided that they did not need God as their Ruler, and they chose to live independently from him... As a result, God no longer sustained them in perfection. They were now like an electric appliance cut of from its source of power. So in time, They would slow down and stop - in death.... They became like a defective pattern, and that condition was all they could pass on to their offspring. (Romans 5:12) "The Rock [Jehovah], perfect in his activity, for all his ways are justice... They have acted ruinously on their own part; they are not his children, the defect is their own." (Deuteronomy 32:4, 5) True, Adam and Eve were influenced by the rebel spirit creature who became Satan, but they had perfect minds and could have rejected his wrong suggestions. - Genesis 3:1-19; James 4:7
History testifies abundantly to the result of independence from God. For thousands of years, people have tried every form of human government, every economic and social system. Yet, wickedness continues to "advance from bad to worse." (2Timothy 3:13) The 20th century proved that. It was filled with vicious hatreds and the most violence, warfare, hunger, poverty and suffering of any time in history. And no matter what medical advances have been made, sooner or later everyone dies. (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) By trying to direct their own steps, humans have allowed themselves to become prey to Satan and his demons, so much so that the Bible calls Satan "the God of this system of things."-2 Corinthians 4:4.
Next time: The Gift Of Free Will
12.12.2006
Was The Kingdom In God's Purpose
Was the heavenly Kingdom part of God's original purpose when he created Adam and Eve? In the Genesis creation account, there is no mention of a Kingdom that would rule mankind. Jehovah himself was their Ruler, and as long as they obeyed him, there was no need for any other rulership. Genesis chapter 1 shows that Jehovah, likely through his firstborn heavenly Son, dealt with Adam and Eve. The account uses such expressions as "God said to them" and "God went on to say" to them. - Genesis 1:28, 29; John 1:1.
The Bible says: " God saw everything he had made and, look! it was very good." (Genesis 1:31) Everything in the Garden of Eden was absolutely perfect. Adam and Eve lived in a paradise. They had perfect minds and perfect bodies. They could communicate with their Maker and he with them. And by remaining faithful, they would bear perfect children. There would have been no need for a new heavenly government.
As the human family multiplied, how would God communicate with all of them? Consider the stars of the heaven. They are grouped together in island universes called galaxies. Some galaxies contain a billion stars. Others contain about a trillion. And scientists estimate that there are about 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe! Yet, the Creator says: " Raise your eyes high up and see. Who has created these things? It is the one who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing." - Isaiah 40:26
Since God can keep track of all these heavenly bodies, surely it would be no problem for him to keep track of a far smaller number of humans. Even now, millions of his servants pray to him daily. Those prayers reach God instantly. So communicating with all perfect humans would have presented no problem for him. He would not have needed a heavenly Kingdom to keep track of them. What a marvelous arrangement - to have Jehovah as Ruler, to have direct access to him, and to have the prospect of never dying, living forever on a paradise earth!
Next time: "It Does Not Belong To Man"
Was the heavenly Kingdom part of God's original purpose when he created Adam and Eve? In the Genesis creation account, there is no mention of a Kingdom that would rule mankind. Jehovah himself was their Ruler, and as long as they obeyed him, there was no need for any other rulership. Genesis chapter 1 shows that Jehovah, likely through his firstborn heavenly Son, dealt with Adam and Eve. The account uses such expressions as "God said to them" and "God went on to say" to them. - Genesis 1:28, 29; John 1:1.
The Bible says: " God saw everything he had made and, look! it was very good." (Genesis 1:31) Everything in the Garden of Eden was absolutely perfect. Adam and Eve lived in a paradise. They had perfect minds and perfect bodies. They could communicate with their Maker and he with them. And by remaining faithful, they would bear perfect children. There would have been no need for a new heavenly government.
As the human family multiplied, how would God communicate with all of them? Consider the stars of the heaven. They are grouped together in island universes called galaxies. Some galaxies contain a billion stars. Others contain about a trillion. And scientists estimate that there are about 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe! Yet, the Creator says: " Raise your eyes high up and see. Who has created these things? It is the one who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing." - Isaiah 40:26
Since God can keep track of all these heavenly bodies, surely it would be no problem for him to keep track of a far smaller number of humans. Even now, millions of his servants pray to him daily. Those prayers reach God instantly. So communicating with all perfect humans would have presented no problem for him. He would not have needed a heavenly Kingdom to keep track of them. What a marvelous arrangement - to have Jehovah as Ruler, to have direct access to him, and to have the prospect of never dying, living forever on a paradise earth!
Next time: "It Does Not Belong To Man"
12.08.2006
Associate Rulers
There will be associate rulers with Christ Jesus in God's heavenly Kingdom. Revelation 14:1-4 foretold that 144,000 persons were to be "bought from among mankind" and resurrected to heavenly life. These include men and women who, instead of being served, humbly served God and fellow humans. "They will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years." (Revelation 20:6) Their great number is much smaller than the "great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all the nations and tribes and peoples and tongues" who will survive this system's end. These too render God "sacred service day and night," but they do not have a heavenly calling. (Revelation 7:9, 15) They form the nucleus of the new earth as subjects of God's heavenly Kingdom.- Psalm 37:29; John 10:16.
In choosing those who would rule with Christ in heaven, Jehovah selected faithful humans who had experienced life with all its problems. There is virtually nothing that people have been through that these king-priests have not also experienced. So their life on earth will enhance their ability to rule over humans. Even Jesus himself "learned obedience from the things he suffered." (Hebrews 5:8) The apostle Paul said about him: " We have as high priest, not one who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but who who has been tested in all respects like ourselves, but without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) How comforting to know that in God's righteous new world, people will be ruled by loving, sympathetic kings and priests!
Next time: Was The Kingdom In God's Purpose?
There will be associate rulers with Christ Jesus in God's heavenly Kingdom. Revelation 14:1-4 foretold that 144,000 persons were to be "bought from among mankind" and resurrected to heavenly life. These include men and women who, instead of being served, humbly served God and fellow humans. "They will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years." (Revelation 20:6) Their great number is much smaller than the "great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all the nations and tribes and peoples and tongues" who will survive this system's end. These too render God "sacred service day and night," but they do not have a heavenly calling. (Revelation 7:9, 15) They form the nucleus of the new earth as subjects of God's heavenly Kingdom.- Psalm 37:29; John 10:16.
In choosing those who would rule with Christ in heaven, Jehovah selected faithful humans who had experienced life with all its problems. There is virtually nothing that people have been through that these king-priests have not also experienced. So their life on earth will enhance their ability to rule over humans. Even Jesus himself "learned obedience from the things he suffered." (Hebrews 5:8) The apostle Paul said about him: " We have as high priest, not one who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but who who has been tested in all respects like ourselves, but without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) How comforting to know that in God's righteous new world, people will be ruled by loving, sympathetic kings and priests!
Next time: Was The Kingdom In God's Purpose?
12.07.2006
Earth's New Rulership
God's Word says of earth's new Ruler: "To him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him." (Daniel 7:14) Because Jesus will imitate God's love, great will be the peace and happiness under his rule. (Matthew 5:5; John 3:16; 1John 4:7-10) "Of the increase of his govenment and of peace there will be no end... to uphold it with justice and with righteousness." (Isaiah9:7 Revised Standard Version) What a blessing it will be to have a Ruler who rules with love, justice and righteousness! Thus, 2Peter 3:13 foretells: " There are new heavens [God's heavenly Kingdom] and a new earth [a new earth society] that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."
Surely God's Kingdom is the very best news for all who love what is right. That is why, as part of the sign that we now live in "the last days" of this wicked system, Jesus foretold: " This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:14) That prophecy is being fulfilled now.
God's Word says of earth's new Ruler: "To him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him." (Daniel 7:14) Because Jesus will imitate God's love, great will be the peace and happiness under his rule. (Matthew 5:5; John 3:16; 1John 4:7-10) "Of the increase of his govenment and of peace there will be no end... to uphold it with justice and with righteousness." (Isaiah9:7 Revised Standard Version) What a blessing it will be to have a Ruler who rules with love, justice and righteousness! Thus, 2Peter 3:13 foretells: " There are new heavens [God's heavenly Kingdom] and a new earth [a new earth society] that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."
Surely God's Kingdom is the very best news for all who love what is right. That is why, as part of the sign that we now live in "the last days" of this wicked system, Jesus foretold: " This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:14) That prophecy is being fulfilled now.
12.04.2006
Earth's New Rulership
Why is the Kingdom of such great importance to humans? Because it will soon take an action that will forever change the rulership of this earth. The prophecy at Daniel 2:44 states: " In the days of those kings [now ruling on earth] the God of heaven will set up a kingdom [a government in heaven] that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms [earthly governments], and it itself will stand to times indefinite." When God's heavenly Kingdom rules completely, never again will humans control the earth. Divisive and unsatisfactory human rule will forever be a thing of the past.
The Chief Ruler in the heavenly Kingdom, under Jehovah's immediate direction, is the one best qualified - Christ Jesus. Before coming to earth, he existed in heaven as God's "master worker," being the first of all God's creations. (Proverbs 8:22-31) "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and upon the earth." (Colossians 1:15, 16) and when Jesus was sent to earth by God, he did God's will at all times. He endured the most difficult of tests and died faithful to his Father. - John 4:34; 15:10.
For his loyalty to God even to death, Jesus was rewarded. God resurrected him to heaven and gave him the right to be King of the Heavenly Kingdom, Christ Jesus will have the awesome assignment from God to lead myriads of powerful creatures in removing human rule from the earth and ridding our globe of all wickedness. Proverbs 2:21, 22; 2Thessalonians 1:6-9; Revelation 19:11-21; 20:1-3) Then God's heavenly Kingdom under Christ will be the new ruling authority, the only government over the entire earth. - Revelation 11:15.
Next time: Continue with this subject
Why is the Kingdom of such great importance to humans? Because it will soon take an action that will forever change the rulership of this earth. The prophecy at Daniel 2:44 states: " In the days of those kings [now ruling on earth] the God of heaven will set up a kingdom [a government in heaven] that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms [earthly governments], and it itself will stand to times indefinite." When God's heavenly Kingdom rules completely, never again will humans control the earth. Divisive and unsatisfactory human rule will forever be a thing of the past.
The Chief Ruler in the heavenly Kingdom, under Jehovah's immediate direction, is the one best qualified - Christ Jesus. Before coming to earth, he existed in heaven as God's "master worker," being the first of all God's creations. (Proverbs 8:22-31) "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and upon the earth." (Colossians 1:15, 16) and when Jesus was sent to earth by God, he did God's will at all times. He endured the most difficult of tests and died faithful to his Father. - John 4:34; 15:10.
For his loyalty to God even to death, Jesus was rewarded. God resurrected him to heaven and gave him the right to be King of the Heavenly Kingdom, Christ Jesus will have the awesome assignment from God to lead myriads of powerful creatures in removing human rule from the earth and ridding our globe of all wickedness. Proverbs 2:21, 22; 2Thessalonians 1:6-9; Revelation 19:11-21; 20:1-3) Then God's heavenly Kingdom under Christ will be the new ruling authority, the only government over the entire earth. - Revelation 11:15.
Next time: Continue with this subject
12.02.2006
God's Kingdom - Earth's New Rulership
The Bible is God's revelation to humans. The apostle Paul wrote: " When you received God's word, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but just as it truthfully is, as the word of God." (1Thessalonians 2:13) The Bible contains what we need to know about God: information about his personality, his purposes and his requirements for. It has the best counsel on family life and daily conduct. It details prophecies that were fulfilled in the past,are being fulfilled now, and will be fulfilled in the future. Yes, "all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." - 2Timothy 3:16, 17/.
Of Paramount importance in the Bible is its theme: the vindication of God's sovereignty (his right to rule)by means of his heavenly Kingdom. Jesus made that the focal point of his ministry. "Jesus commenced preaching and saying: 'Repent, you people, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.' " (Matthew 4:17) He showed what place it should have in our lives, urging : "Keep on, then seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness." (Matthew 6:33) He also showed how important it is by teaching his followers to pray to God: " Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth." Matthew 6:10.
The Bible is God's revelation to humans. The apostle Paul wrote: " When you received God's word, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but just as it truthfully is, as the word of God." (1Thessalonians 2:13) The Bible contains what we need to know about God: information about his personality, his purposes and his requirements for. It has the best counsel on family life and daily conduct. It details prophecies that were fulfilled in the past,are being fulfilled now, and will be fulfilled in the future. Yes, "all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." - 2Timothy 3:16, 17/.
Of Paramount importance in the Bible is its theme: the vindication of God's sovereignty (his right to rule)by means of his heavenly Kingdom. Jesus made that the focal point of his ministry. "Jesus commenced preaching and saying: 'Repent, you people, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.' " (Matthew 4:17) He showed what place it should have in our lives, urging : "Keep on, then seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness." (Matthew 6:33) He also showed how important it is by teaching his followers to pray to God: " Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth." Matthew 6:10.
12.01.2006
Beware Of False Teachers
The Bible acknowledges that even after learning Bible truth, there is a danger of spiritual contamination from false teachings. The apostle Paul warned: "Look out: Perhaps there may be someone who will carry you off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8) What a graphic picture this text paints! Like Beasts wanting to carry you off and devour you, false teachers can pose a real danger.
True, Paul took note of what others believed. He once began a discourse by saying: "Men of Athens, I behold that in all things you seem to be more given to the fear of the deities than others are. For instance, while passing along and carefully observing your objects of veneration I also found an altar on which has been inscribed 'To An Unknown God.' " (Acts 17:22, 23) Paul, however, did not regularly feed his mind on the philosophies of Greek orators.
It is one thing to inform yourself about the origins and beliefs of false religions but quite another to feed on them. Jehovah has appointed "the faithful and discreet slave" to provide teaching based on his Word. (Matthew 4:4; 24:45) Paul himself wrote: " You cannot be partaking of 'the table of Jehovah' and the table of demons. Or 'are we inciting Jehovah to jealousy'? " - 1Corinthians 10:20, 22.
Some false teachers may formerly have been true Christians, but at one point they turned from truth to error. (Jude 4, 11) This should not surprise us. After speaking of "the faithful and discreet slave" that represents the body of the anointed Christians, Jesus spoke of the "evil slave.," a class that complains, "my master is delaying," and starts to beat its fellow slaves. (Matthew 24:48, 48) Often, these individuals and their followers have no clear teachings of their own; they are interested only in destroying the faith of others. Concerning them, the apostle John wrote: " If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him." -2John 10; 2Corinthians 11:3, 4, 13-15.
Sincere people who are searching for the truth do well to consider carefully what they hear from different religions. In time, God will bless honesthearted individuals who seek the truth. The Bible says of godly wisdom: "If you keep seeking for it as silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in case...you will find the very knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:4, 5) Having found this knowledge of God through the Bible and the Christian congregation and having seen how Jehovah blesses those who are guided by that knowledge, true Christians do not continue listening to false religious teachings. - 2Timothy 3:14.
The Bible acknowledges that even after learning Bible truth, there is a danger of spiritual contamination from false teachings. The apostle Paul warned: "Look out: Perhaps there may be someone who will carry you off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8) What a graphic picture this text paints! Like Beasts wanting to carry you off and devour you, false teachers can pose a real danger.
True, Paul took note of what others believed. He once began a discourse by saying: "Men of Athens, I behold that in all things you seem to be more given to the fear of the deities than others are. For instance, while passing along and carefully observing your objects of veneration I also found an altar on which has been inscribed 'To An Unknown God.' " (Acts 17:22, 23) Paul, however, did not regularly feed his mind on the philosophies of Greek orators.
It is one thing to inform yourself about the origins and beliefs of false religions but quite another to feed on them. Jehovah has appointed "the faithful and discreet slave" to provide teaching based on his Word. (Matthew 4:4; 24:45) Paul himself wrote: " You cannot be partaking of 'the table of Jehovah' and the table of demons. Or 'are we inciting Jehovah to jealousy'? " - 1Corinthians 10:20, 22.
Some false teachers may formerly have been true Christians, but at one point they turned from truth to error. (Jude 4, 11) This should not surprise us. After speaking of "the faithful and discreet slave" that represents the body of the anointed Christians, Jesus spoke of the "evil slave.," a class that complains, "my master is delaying," and starts to beat its fellow slaves. (Matthew 24:48, 48) Often, these individuals and their followers have no clear teachings of their own; they are interested only in destroying the faith of others. Concerning them, the apostle John wrote: " If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him." -2John 10; 2Corinthians 11:3, 4, 13-15.
Sincere people who are searching for the truth do well to consider carefully what they hear from different religions. In time, God will bless honesthearted individuals who seek the truth. The Bible says of godly wisdom: "If you keep seeking for it as silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in case...you will find the very knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:4, 5) Having found this knowledge of God through the Bible and the Christian congregation and having seen how Jehovah blesses those who are guided by that knowledge, true Christians do not continue listening to false religious teachings. - 2Timothy 3:14.
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