CHAPTER EIGHT: What Is God's Kingdom?

What does the Bible tell us about the Kingdom of God?

What will God's Kingdom do?

When will the Kingdom cause God's will to be done on earth?


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  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 which art in heaven, Hallowed be that name  Thy  kingdom come. Thy  will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.' " (Matthew 6:9-13) (King James Version)  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:  "Thy Kingdom come"?   What is 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 Is God's Kingdom?/ WHAT GOD'S KINGDOM IS

From the book: WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REALLY TEACH?