Why is our world plagued with so many problems? If God exists and is really in charge, why doesn't He put an end to all these evils?
These crucial questions have perplexed people for centuries. Some,
seeing so much suffering, conclude that God doesn't exist.
Paradoxically, some look at the same troubled world, yet they're
convinced that the Kingdom of God spoken of in the Bible exists now on
earth in the form of one or more church organizations, or in the
collective worldwide efforts of Bible believers, or in the hearts of
men.
Thus the theme of this issue—what exactly is the Kingdom of God?
What does the Bible really teach about this critical subject? And how
can we become a part of it?
Few realize the real answer as to why our world suffers from so many
intractable problems. Yet the answer is simple: In terms of human
society this isn't God's world, it's Satan's.
This evil being is called "the god of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4
). He "deceives the whole world" (Revelation 12:9
). Jesus Christ calls him "the ruler of this world" (John 14:30
; 16:11). John tells us that "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19
).
). He "deceives the whole world" (Revelation 12:9
). Jesus Christ calls him "the ruler of this world" (John 14:30
; 16:11). John tells us that "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19
).
So no, this world is not the Kingdom of God. Jesus Himself said Christians are to pray that the Kingdom will come (Matthew 6:10
; Luke 11:2
). It is to be our foremost goal (Matthew 6:33
). Flesh and blood cannot inherit it (1 Corinthians 15:50
).
; Luke 11:2
). It is to be our foremost goal (Matthew 6:33
). Flesh and blood cannot inherit it (1 Corinthians 15:50
).
So what is this Kingdom, and when does it come? At Christ's return
to the earth, the announcement will be made that "the kingdom of the
world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall
reign forever and ever" (Revelation 11:15
, English Standard Version).
, English Standard Version).
Many Bible passages reveal that this will be a literal Kingdom
established on earth. Jesus told His 12 disciples that when He reigns on
His throne in that Kingdom, they would reign with Him, "judging the
twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew 1:28
). Daniel 7:14
is a prophecy that in this everlasting Kingdom given to Jesus Christ, "all peoples, nations, and languages [will] serve Him."
). Daniel 7:14
is a prophecy that in this everlasting Kingdom given to Jesus Christ, "all peoples, nations, and languages [will] serve Him."
What will this Kingdom be like? Again, many prophecies tell us.
Great miracles of healing will occur—the blind will see, the deaf will
hear, the lame will walk and the mute will speak (Isaiah 35:5
- 6). The world's desert areas will be transformed, made lush with streams and flowers (verses 1-2, 6-7). Agricultural areas will be astoundingly productive (Amos 9:13
). Peace will break out across the globe, and people will no longer learn war (Isaiah 2:4
).
- 6). The world's desert areas will be transformed, made lush with streams and flowers (verses 1-2, 6-7). Agricultural areas will be astoundingly productive (Amos 9:13
). Peace will break out across the globe, and people will no longer learn war (Isaiah 2:4
).
All this is but a taste of the future. Yes, a new world is coming.
It won't be a world of merely human leaders, human government and human
ideas about what works best. It will be a glorious world in which Jesus
Christ will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
And the truly good news is that He wants you to have a part in it!
"Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's pleasure to give you
the kingdom," He tells us (Luke 12:32
).
).
Are you willing to take Him up on His offer?
No comments:
Post a Comment