Prepare Now for Life in the New World

"Tell them to work at good, . . .so that they may get a firm hold on the real life." -1 TIMOTHY 6:18, 19. 

"THE REAL LIFE." For most of us, that expression calls to mind the hope of everlasting life in Paradise on earth. In fact, the apostle Paul linked  "everlasting life' with "the real life."  (Read Timothy 6:12, 19.) We are in expectation of life that will go on forever and that will bring us lasting satisfaction and joy.  It is hard to imagine how we will feel on awakening each day in excellent physical, mental, and emotional health.  (Isaiah 35:5, 6) Think of how pleasant it will be to associate with our loved ones and friends, including those who have been resurrected!  (John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15)  We will also have the opportunity to sharpen our skills in science, music, architecture, or some other field of knowledge. 

As much as we look forward to such good things, the primary blessings in the new world will be spiritual.  How deeply  satisfying it will be to know that Jehovah's name has been sanctified and his sovereignty vindicated!  (Matthew 6:9, 10) We will be thrilled to see Jehovah's original purpose for mankind  and the earth being fulfilled.  And just think how much easier it will be to draw closer to Jehovah as we approach and finally reach, perfection! -Psalm 73:28; James 4:8) 

These blessings can be ours, for Jesus assures us that "with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:25, 26)  But if we expect to live in the new world-and to keep living beyond Christ's Thousand Year Reign-we must act  now to "get a firm hold" on everlasting life.  We must live in expectation of the end  of this wicked world, and we need to take positive steps  right now to prepare for life in the new world. How can we do this while we are still in this wicked system of things? 

Next time: Prepare Now for Life in the New World - HOW TO PREPARE

From the Watchtower magazine