What Is God's Kingdom? Chapter Eight

MILLIONS of people worldwide are familiar with the prayer that many call the Our Father, or the Lord's Prayer.  Both expressions refer to a famous prayer given as a model by Jesus Christ himself.  It is a very meaningful prayer, and a consideration of its first three petitions will help you to learn more about what the Bible really teaches. 

At the beginning of this model prayer, Jesus instructed his hearers:  "You must pray, then, this way:  'Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let you kingdom come.  Let your will be done, in heaven as on the earth.' " (Matthew 6:9-13) What is the significance of these three petitions?  

We have already learned a lot about God's name, Jehovah. And to some extent we have discussed God's will-what he has done and will yet do for mankind. To what, though, was Jesus referring when he told us to pray: "Let your kingdom come"?  God's Kingdom? How will its coming sanctify God's name, or make it holy?  And how is the coming of the Kingdom related to the doing of God's will?

Next time: WHAT GOD'S KINGDOM IS

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006