WHAT WILL GOD'S KINGDOM DO?

When Jesus  said that his disciples should pray for God's Kingdom to come, he also said that they should pray for God's will to be done "as in heaven, also upon the earth."  God is in heaven, and his will has always been done there by the faithful angels. In Chapter 3 of this book, however, we learned that a wicked angel stopped doing God's will and caused Adam and Eve to sin.  In Chapter 10, we will learn more about what the Bible teaches regarding that wicked angel, whom we know as Satan the Devil.  Satan and the angelic spirit creatures  who chose to follow him-called demons-were allowed to stay in heaven for a while.  Hence, not all in heaven were then doing God's will.  That was to change when God's Kingdom would begin to rule.  The newly enthroned King, Jesus Christ, was to wage war on Satan. -Revelation 12:7-9.

The following prophetic words describe what would happen:  "I heard a loud voice in heaven say: 'Now I have come to pass the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers [Satan] has been hurled down, who accuses them day and night before our God!' " (Revelation 12:10)  Did you notice two very important events described in that Bible verse?  First, God's Kingdom under Jesus Christ begins to rule. Second, Satan is cast out of heaven down to this earth.

What have been the results of those two events?  Regarding what happened in heaven, we read:  "On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them!"  (Revelation 12:12)  Yes, the faithful angels in heaven rejoice because, with Satan an d his demons gone, everyone in heaven is faithful to Jehovah God. There is complete, unbroken peace and harmony there.  God's will is being done in heaven.

What though, about the earth? The Bible says:  "Woe for the earth and the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time." (to do his damage and pull people away from God) (Revelation 12:12) Satan is angry about being cast out of heaven and having just a short time left. In his anger he causes distress, or "woe," on earth.  But with that in mind, we could ask, How can the Kingdom cause God's will to be done on earth?

Next time: Continue with: WHAT WILL GOD'S KINGDOM DO? 

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