The kingdom of God in the future - what life will be like
The Bible tells us very plainly that God intends to intervene in world affairs and establish Hs kingdom in the earth. It will replace all national governments and rule over the whole earth. We read this in the book of Revelation:
“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15
This new order of things will affect the lives of every single person who lives on this planet, without exception. So what can we expect?
Jesus will reign as king
Full and detailed information is given in the scriptures about this kingdom, including the fact that God's own son, the Lord Jesus Christ, will be its king. At the time of his birth the angels declared this to his mother, Mary:
“Thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” Luke 1:31-33
Although Jesus was born as foretold, he never sat on his promised throne. Nevertheless, the promise remains and Jesus will return from heaven to take possession of his throne and kingdom:
“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.” Matthew 25:31
The return of Christ and defeat of the nations
When Jesus reigns from the throne of David in Jerusalem, the nations of the world will be compelled to obey God's laws which will go forth from Jerusalem, and all nations will submit to Christ's authority:
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:2-3
The blessing of the nations
The nations will submit to the rule of Christ and receive great blessings as a result. In particular, permanent peace will be established in the earth, with war among the nations eliminated:
“And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” Isaiah 2:4
The complete transformation of conditions in the world to the benefit of all people is described in Psalm 72, which we suggest you read in full. The following are just a few of the aspects of Jesus' reign:
“He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.” Psalm 72:4
“In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.” Psalm 72:7
“All kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.” Psalm 72:11-14
“His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.” Psalm 72:17
Princes to rule with Christ
The reign of Jesus will bring blessings on all people of the earth, but Jesus will not reign alone. He will have princes ruling with him:
“Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgement. And the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever.” Isaiah 32:1, 17
The principal rulers with Christ will be his apostles as he promised them:
“Ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28
However, he will be joined by others who have been obedient to his word all down the ages since creation and together with the Apostles will constitute the princes who reign with Christ.
This will necessitate these people rising from the dead just as Jesus did. All who know God's word will be raised from the dead. Those who are found faithful will sing when resurrected and made immortal, and these are the words which they will sing:
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10
A promise for you
The promise contained in the gospel can be yours if you respond faithfully to the commandments of Christ. You should act now, so that when Christ returns you may be included in the multitude of the faithful, of whom it is declared:
“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6