Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is heaven,” Matthew 6:10. Since that time few words have been more fervently offered up in prayer, yet so misunderstood! When we realize that God’s Kingdom has two parts – a heavenly and an earthly, the scriptures on the subject become clear.
Jesus died to redeem Adam and the whole human race from the curse of death. He also came to call those who would become part of his spiritual family, the kingdom of heaven. This elect class is comprised of those who in their present life totally dedicate themselves to be faithful followers of Christ. If faithful, they are promised a heavenly reward. “Fear not little flock, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) These will be honored with the privilege of “living and reigning with Christ 1000 years.” (Revelation 20:6)
The work of Christ and his heavenly bride during the thousand year kingdom will be glorious! Acts 3:20, 21 describes this time as a “period of restoration of all things…that was spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets.” Life will be restored by a resurrection of all from the dead: “Do not be amazed at this; for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and shall come out – those who have done good to a resurrection of life (the heavenly class), and those who have done evil (the rest of mankind still in Adamic sin) to a resurrection by judgment.” (John 5:28, 29)
The 1,000 year period of judgment includes instruction and the opportunity to develop a heart that loves righteousness. “When thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9) “No longer shall each man teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34) “Then I will turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.” (Zephaniah 3:8,9)
In Christ's kingdom, “The desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose…Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb will sing…And a highway will be there, a roadway, and it will be called the Highway of Holiness. …The redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the LORD will return, and come with joyful songs to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads.” Isaiah 35. “And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
At the end of the 1,000 year reign, people will be individually judged as being worthy or unworthy of eternal life on earth. Those who love God and righteousness will live forever. The enemies of God will be destroyed forever and cease to exist. Then the Kingdom of God will be fully established on earth as it is in heaven.
Additional Resource: Download PDF: "After Armageddon God's Kingdom" The word "Armageddon" often strikes fear in the hearts of people as they associate it with the end of the world. But this misunderstood time has a special purpose and will be followed by a great time of blessing for mankind. We encourage you to read this insightful booklet to see what the Bible teaches regarding "Armageddon."
Additional Resource: Christian Questions Podcast Episode #1030: "Where is the Kingdom Jesus Told Us to Pray For?" Uncovering what God's kingdom is, how it works and who benefits
