The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - God's Kingdom Comes to Power in the Midst of Its Enemies

 FOR thousands of years men of faith have lived in eager expectation of the day when God's Kingdom would begin it rule. They have felt keenly the need for God to take a direct hand in earth's affairs. Does this mean that God has not been King during the centuries past? No, for Jehovah has always been the Supreme Ruler of the universe. (Jeremiah 10:10) But at the earth his rulership has been challenged. And, as we have already seen, for sound reasons and with a loving purpose in view, God has allowed human governments under the in fluence of Satan to rule for a fixed period of time. 

Jehovah promised, however, that at the end of all that time he would take direct action against all rebels and opposers of his rule. And he would bring the earth and its inhabitants completely under his rule again. How? By the Kingdom, a new heavenly government under his Son Christ Jesus. So the coming of that kingdom to power means that great changes are near at hand. It means that Jehovah God has given to his Son "rulership and dignity and kingdom, That the peoples, national groups and languages should serve even him." - DANIEL 7:13, 14.

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The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - THE RETURN OF CHRIST

On the evening before his death Jesus Christ promised eleven faithful members of the "little flock" that he would come again, saying: "I am going my way to prepare a place for you . . . I am come again and will receive you home to myself, that I am you also may be." - JOHN 14:2, 3.

Will this be a visible, physical return? Some may point out that Revelation 1:7 says: "Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him." Does this mean that they will see him literally with their physical eyes? The Bible speaks not only of seeing with our physical eyes, but seeing him in the sense that we understand or discern. Jesus showed that the religious Pharisees of his day were blind although they said, "We see." They were spiritually blind.  (John 9:39-41; Isaiah 43:8) It is in such a sense of spiritual seeing that Revelation 1:7 is to be understood. "Every eye" is made to "see" him because, even though they may refuse to show faith now, when Christ executes the wicked, they will know what is happening because they have been told in advance. However, that Jesus would not visibly return he himself made clear, saying: "A little longer and the world will behold no more, but you will behold me, because I live and you will live. " (John 14:19) Mankind in general would behold him no more because he was going to return to heaven. But the "little flock" would behold him because he was going to take them to be with him there. 

So Christ's return does not mean that returns as a man to live on earth. Rather, it means that he takes up his kingly rule toward the earth and that he resurrects his "little flock" from the dead to their reward in the heavens. There they share in carrying out the loving purpose of God by means of his kingdom. You are living in the time when you, too, can experience blessings from that Kingdom rule. - REVELATION 11:15-18.

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The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - HOW ONE KNOWS WHETHER HE IS OF THE "LITTLE FLOCK"

 In this matter, then, we must look to the Scriptures for guidance and not let emotions, or a background of unscriptural beliefs, confuse our thinking.  Those who receive heavenly life are not persons who choose it for themselves; God is the one who does the choosing. (2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14) They are called on to leave behind close family members and friends and all earthly things for the privilege of sharing as assistant kings and underpriests with Christ and as a part of his "bride." (Revelation 21:2) That is what God has set before them, and they show deep appreciation for it. But it is not necessary to be of the heavenly group to gain relief from the troubles of this life. God loves his earthly "other sheep" too. He promises that he is going to make this earth a paradise, where pain and sorrow will be no more. The facts show that it is principally to such earthly hope of life that God has been persons in recent years. 

However, each year, on the anniversary of Christ's death. the few remaining members of the "little flock" yet on earth keep the Memorial of Christ's death. As Jesus directed, the partake of unleavened bread and red wine, which are symbols representing the flesh and blood that Jesus gave for mankind. Jesus said to those whom he instructed to partake of these emblems that he was making with them 'a covenant for a kingdom '; so those who are not heirs of the heavenly kingdom do not partake of them emblems. (Luke 22:19, 20, 29) Nevertheless, those who look forward to earthly life are present each year in large numbers as observers of the Lord's evening meal. As one who is keenly interested in life under the heavenly kingdom, you too should be in attendance. 

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The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - HOW ONE KNOWS WHETHER HE IS OF THE "LITTLE FLOCK"

 In the past did you believe all good persons go to heaven? If so, and if you endeavored to live a good life, you may as well expected to be included among them. You may also have hoped in this way to be reunited with your loved ones who you have just lost in death. But when you had that expectation, did you know that the Bible says that such faithful servants of God as King David and John the Baptist did not go to heaven? (Acts 2:29, 34; Matthew 11:11) At that time did you know that only 144,000 chosen from among mankind over the past nineteen centuries would gain heavenly life? And did you know then that the Bible holds out hope of eternal life under righteous conditions here on earth for all others who would become faithful servants of God? -PSALM 37:10, 11, 29 [36:10, 11, 29, Dy]. 

When you were thinking about heavenly life for yourself, did you believe in the immortality of the human soul? Then, understandably, you may have hoped that your soul would go to heaven. But if you had such a hope it was not because God's spirit was bearing witness to you. To the contrary, as you now know, God's inspired Word says that the human soul dies and goes out of existence. So those who die must depend on God to resurrect them to whatever place he wills for them. -EZEKIEL 18:4; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:35-38. 

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - HOW ONE KNOWS WHETHER HE IS OF THE "LITTLE FLOCK" -Conclusion

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The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - HOW ONE KNOWS WHETHER HE IS OF THE "LITTLE FLOCK"

 Members of the "little flock" know that God has called them to heavenly life. How? By means of the operation of God's spirit, which implants and cultivates in them the hope of heavenly life.  The apostle Paul, as one of the "little flock," wrote: "The spirit itself bears witness without spirit that we are God's children. If, then, we are children, we are also heirs with Christ, provided we suffer together that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:16, 17) The operation of God's spirit changes the entire outlook of such a person, so that his thoughts and prayers are centered upon serving God with the heavenly hope in view. Being with Christ in heaven is more important to him than any earthly ties. 

No doubt you have thought about this matter, and perhaps you have wondered whether you are one who will receive heaven life. Before one can properly analyze his situation, he needs an understanding of what the Bible teaches on this matter. Why? Because God's holy spirit that bears witness that one has been called to heavenly glory is the same spirit that directed the writing of the Bible. With this in mind, let us examine the situation. 

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - HOW ONE KNOWS WHETHER HE IS OF THE "LITTLE FLOCK" 

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The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - HOW MANY GO TO HEAVEN?

 Those who are called by God to share in such heavenly service are few in number. As Jesus said, they are a "little flock." Years after his return to heaven, Jesus made known the exact number in a vision to the apostle John, who wrote: "I saw, and, look the Lamb standing upon Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand . . .who have been bought from the earth." (Revelation 14:1, 3) The "Lamb "referred to here is not on earth, but in heaven where Jesus is. (John 1:29; Hebrews 12:22) So the 144,000 are persons to die on earth as humans and are resurrected to heavenly life as spirit creatures, as Jesus was. (Romans 6:5) When compared with the thousands of millions of persons who live on earth, they are, indeed, a "little flock."

However, the "little flock" who go to heaven are the only ones who receive salvation. As we have seen, they will have happy earthly subjects. Jesus referred to these as his "other sheep," of whom "a great crowd" are even now serving God faithfully. - JOHN 10:16; REVELATION 7:9, 15.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - HOW ONE KNOWS WHETHER HE IS OF THE "LITTLE FLOCK" 

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The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - The Reason Why a "Little Flock" Goes to Heaven - Conclusion

 At Revelation 20:6 we read concerning those who would return to heavenly life: "They will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years." Jesus Christ is the principal king and the high priest, and these faithful ones taken from the earth to serve with him. - REVELATION 5:9, 10. 

Why are they chosen from the earth for such a work? Because it was here at this earth that Jehovah's rulership was challenged. It was here that the faithfulness of the men to God could be put to the test under opposition from the Devil. It was here that Jesus proved his full loyalty to Jehovah God under test and gave his life as a ransom for mankind. So it was from this earth that Jehovah arranged ti take a "little flock" of persons to be associated with His Son in the heavenly kingdom. They are persons who show faith in God's provision for salvation through Christ. They are ones whose lives proved the Devil to be a liar when he charged that men serve God only for selfish advantage. Jehovah has marvelously purposed to use them for is glory. - EPHESIANS  1:9-12. 

As kings and priests under the direction of Jesus Christ, they will serve from their heavenly positions in carrying out Jehovah's will toward mankind. How wonderful it will be to have as rulers those who have proved faithful to God! (Revelation 20:4) And how loving of God to put in office those who have experienced the problems common to humankind! Surely, they, like Christ, will deal in an understanding way with their subjects. (Hebrews 2:17, 18) What a blessing it will be to the inhabitants of earth as these heavenly priests apply to them the benefits of Christ's ransom sacrifice, healing them spiritually, mentally and physically until they reach perfection! - REVELATION 21:2-4.

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The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - The Reason Why a "Little Flock" Goes to Heaven

 While Jesus Christ was yet with his followers here on earth, he spoke to them about heavenly life. He told them that he   was to prepare a place for them and that, in time, they would be there with him. (John 14:1-3) Millions of persons have set their hearts on such heavenly life But do you know why God has arranged some persons to go to heaven? Do you know what they will do there? 

During his earth ministry Jesus said much about the "Kingdom of God." He taught his followers to pray by means of the Kingdom, God's will be done here on earth. Thus, the earth would become a delightful home for mankind. But the Kingdom or government itself, would be that of God in heaven, and for this reason Jesus often referred to it as the "kingdom of the heavens." (Matthew 5:20; 6:9, 10) This helps us to understand what he meant when he said: "Have no fear, little flock, because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32) Yes, God would give this "little flock the heavenly government over all mankind. 

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The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - HOW LONG WILL THE TEST CONTINUE? - Conclusion

' There is only a short time left before Jehovah will destroy this wicked system of things. This remaining time gives us the opportunity to take sides with him and 'make his heart rejoice.' (Proverbs 27:11) If we willingly submit to his rulership, he will bless us with eternal life in his new system. The choice of accepting or rejecting is set before each one of us. - DEUTERONOMY 30:19, 20. 

Obedience to God is not really difficult. If we appreciate that Jehovah's wisdom is much greater than ours, and whatever he does is for our good because he is a God of love, then we will obey him in everything. Whatever Jehovah's will is, we will want to do it, whether in times of crisis or in the everyday things of life. That is the way loyal servants of Jehovah have always felt. (Daniel3:16, 18; Psalm 119:33-37 [118:33_37, Dy]) In the first century some of these said to a high court: "We must obey God as ruler rather than men." (Acts 5:29) Today, Jehovah is using his royal servant to declare his name and purposes in all the earth. (Matthew 24:14) When that is done to his satisfaction, then he will show Satan his almighty power by crushing him and all other rebels bringing an end to this wicked system. Thus, Jehovah will clear the universe of wickedness and pave the way for his righteous new system.

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The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - HOW LONG WILL THE TEST CONTINUE?

 In addition, God has used this time to select and prepare from among mankind "vessels of mercy." These ae the ones who make up the righteous government over those who will live forever on earth in the new system. What blessings this heavenly kingdom means for mankind! During the time that God has been preparing "the vessels of mercy," he has shown much long-suffering. Why? The Bible clearly answers: "In order that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy." (Romans 9:22-24) To God's heavenly kingdom will go the glory of vindicating God's name and destroying the wicked, the "vessels of wrath." Also, by his allowing wickedness to continue for a time, facets of God's personality are manifested that would not ordinarily be seen: his mercy and long-suffering. These enrich our appreciation of the Creator and our own personalities, as we imitate him. - EPHESIANS 5:1. 

There has also been another real benefit in God's permitting wickedness as long as he has. If at any time in the future anyone should call into question God's way of doing things, it would not be necessary again for him to grant that one time to try out some other way. The record of six thousand years of failure by Satan, his demons, and men who have tried to run affairs independent of God has supplied sufficient answer. No one can rightly claim: 'They did not get a chance,' or say, if only they had more time.' The permitted time has enough to prove that the way of the rebellion against the Creator has been absolutely disastrous! So God will be fully justified in swiftly crushing any rebel that threatens the future peace of the universe. - PSALM145:20 [144:20, Dy]. 

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - HOW LONG WITH THE TEST CONTINUE - Conclusion

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