God's Coming Kingdom

God, in the pages of the Bible, often speaks about the coming kingdom of God on earth. This page is a continuing series of articles about this coming kingdom, as shown in the Bible.

Part 12      God's Coming Kingdom

Last time we noted that the Roman Empire, exercising an iron rule, shattered all opposition and managed to bring two centuries of peace. The conquered peoples, far from rebelling, voluntarily obeyed, to rejoice in the resulting general security.

After Jesus has met the nations in battle who challenge his authority, he will send his saints “To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron” - Psalm 149:8. Afterwards Jesus “Himself will rule them with a rod of iron” - Revelation 19:15.

The huge contrast in current world conditions with those during Christ’s kingdom, when crime will be stamped out, warfare will be ended, and all mankind is educated in godly living - will bring joy and thanksgiving to God everywhere.“Let the peoples praise You, O God...Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations on earth. Let the peoples praise You, O God...Then the earth shall yield her increase… God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him” - Psalm 67.

The World Bank estimates that 59% of world population, 4.3 billion people, are now living in poverty, and other experts insist that the true rate is “much higher” (Wikipedia). As reviewed previously, most of this can be laid at the door of crime, which includes white collar crime, political corruption, etc.

Crime and poverty exists in countries with every form of government, and it will only be the iron-rod government of Christ that will be able to put an end to them. Psalm 2 forecasts that God’s appointed world king will overcome those men who oppose his authority when he has returned because they prefer their cozy status quo.“You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”

The early phase of destruction will soon be replaced by the beneficial administration of Christ’s government, which will be put into action by his holy ones throughout the world, as Psalm 72 foresees. “He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In His days the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more” verses 6-7.

Nor will there be any more billions of people living in poverty. “He will deliver the needy when he cries, The poor also, and him who has no helper. He will spare the poor and needy, and will save the souls of the needy. He will redeem their life from oppression and violence; and precious shall be their blood in His sight” - verses 12-14.

But Christ’s iron-rod rule will not be an oppressive regime, but a truly blessed one, in which mankind will express their deepest gratitude and worship of their King. “ The kings of Tarshish and of the isles will bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba will offer gifts... And the gold of Sheba will be given to Him; prayer also will be made for Him continually, and daily He shall be praised...His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; all nations shall call Him blessed” - verses 10, 15-17.