What Is God's Kingdom? - What God's Kingdom Is: Conclusion

Here is another truth about God's Kingdom: Jesus will not rule alone. He will have  c0-rulers. For example, the apostle Paul told Timothy: "If we go on enduring, we will also  rule together as kings." (2 Timothy 2:12)  Yes, Paul, Timothy and other faithful ones who have selected by God will rule together with Jesus in the heavenly Kingdom. How many will have that privilege?

As pointed out in Chapter 7 of this book, the apostle John was given a vision in which he saw the Lamb [Jesus Christ]  standing on Mount Zion [his royal position in heaven], and with him 144,000 who have his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads." Who are those 144,000?  John himself tells us: "These are the one who keep following the Lam no mattere where he gods. These were bough from among ankind as first-fruits to God and to the lamb." (Revelation 14:1, 4)  Yes, they are faithful followers of Jesus Christ specifically chosen to rule in heaven with him.  After being raised out of death to heaven life.  "they are to rule as kings over the earth" along with Jesus.  (Revelation 5:10) Since the days of the apostles, God has been selecting faithful Christians in order to complete the number 144,000. 

To arrange for Jesus and the 144,000 to rule mankind is very loving. For one thing, Jesus knows what is like to be a human to suffer.  Regarding Jesus, Paul said:  "We do not have a high priest who can sympathize with out weaknesses, but we have one who has been tested in all respects as we have, but without sin." (Hebrews 4:15; 5:8) His co-rulers too have suffered and endured as humans. In addition, they have struggled with imperfection and coped with all kinds of sickness.  Surely, they would understand the problems that humans face!

Next time: What is God's Kingdom? - WHAT WILL GOD'S KINGDOM DO?

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