Q: Why should we anxiously wait for the arrival of the Kingdom, if all it offers us is the opportunity to rule over others? I never wanted to rule over others, so this does not really appeal to me. Satan was given rule over this earth, but it was not appealing to him, either. Also, why should we anxiously wait for Christ?

Published: March 5th, 2004

In a recent sermon, titled "How it Will Be As God?", we attempted to show, from the Biblical revelation, the extent of man's future. The sermon is posted on our Webpage.

Our hope for the future is not so much summarized with the concept of "ruling," than it is with beautifying life and with guiding and helping others to live a peaceful life, in accordance with God's Way (compare Isaiah 2:1-5).

Q: From the wording of Matthew 5:19, it appears that even those who both break the commandments of God and then teach disobedience will actually be part of the Kingdom of God. Can you explain what this verse means?

Published: June 18th, 2004

This verse must be considered in light of other Scriptures in the Bible. Knowing that it is impossible for God to lie (Compare Titus 1:2), we know that the Bible does not contradict itself--that is, God hasn't inspired teachings that differ. With that view in mind, let's consider the verse in the context of Matthew 5 along with applicable principles in God's Word.

Q: Q: Please explain Matthew 5:20, where Christ says that we will not enter the Kingdom of God if our righteousness does not exceed the righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees.

Published: August 3rd, 2006

A: For an in-depth Bible study as to HOW, exactly, our righteousness must exceed the "righteousness" of the scribes and the Pharisees, including their actions, thoughts and motives, please look up and study carefully all the Scriptures quoted in this Q&A, especially those passages in which Jesus Christ condemns the scribes and the Pharisees for their concept of "righteousness."

Q: Would you please explain Revelation 5:8-10?

Published: December 18th, 2009

In the book of Revelation, John is transported "in the spirit" to God's throne in heaven, from where he observes events which will take place shortly in heaven and on earth. The passage in Revelation 5:8-10 describes what John sees in heaven; it reads in the New King James Bible:

Q: I was reading in Matthew tonight and came across Matthew 11:12: "‘And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.’" Can you shed any light on what this means?

Published: January 22nd, 2010

As a beginning point in answering your question, first consider these comments from the NASB Study Bible regarding “suffers violence,” as translated in Matthew 11:12: "The Greek here is taken in a passive sense. In this context its passive meaning is, ‘suffers violent attacks.’ The verse emphasizes the ongoing persecution of the people of the kingdom.”

The statement by Jesus in Matthew 11:12 reflects the violence of persecution against representatives of the Kingdom of God. Specifically, those in the forefront of proclaiming the future establishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth are targets of mortal violence.

Q: Does Revelation 3:12 mean that there will be nothing to do in the Kingdom of God when it says “and he shall go out no more”?

Published: June 18th, 2010

Let us read what this verse says: "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name."

Does this mean that we will be looking into the face of God for eternity or strumming on harps with no constructive work to do?

Q: What does the Bible say about Iran’s future?

Published: June 3rd, 2011

The Bible contains numerous passages, dealing with the future of Iran, which was formerly known as Persia. Most commentaries and encyclopedias are in agreement that the modern-day Iranians are descendants of the ancient Elamites. For instance, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible equates Elam with Persia. Genesis 10:22 and 1 Chronicles 1:17 state that Elam was a son of Shem—and therefore a brother of ancient Asshur or Assur. The city of Sushan or Susa was one of the capitols of the Elamite or Persian empire, and Esther, Daniel and Jeremiah resided there at times. Susa is today known as Shush—a city in modern-day Iran.

Q: Are we born with an evil “human nature” that we are bound by throughout the days of our lives?

Published: December 16th, 2011

In looking at mankind in the past and present, we see a commonality throughout cultures for a disposition towards the same attitudes, feelings and emotions. Of more concern are the baser inclinations of man that have led to all evils that have existed in the world. Some may conclude that mankind is born this way.

As discussed in a previous Q&A, Adam and Eve were not created with this nature, but rather had it shaped and influenced by Satan (Also, please see our second Q&A on the subject). But once they had acquired it, it did not mean that their descendants would automatically have it as well.

Q: What does the Bible say about Christ’s battle with hostile armies at the time of His return?

Published: February 3rd, 2012

In previous Q&A’s, discussing the seventh plague of the seventh trumpet, mentioned in the Book of Revelation http://www.eternalgod.org/qa/11097 , and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, http://www.eternalgod.org/qa/11159 we described the resurrection and the change of the saints. As immortal beings and born-again members of the Family and Kingdom of God, they will meet the returning Christ in the air and descend with Him on the Mount of Olives, where Christ’s decisive battle against the evil forces of this world will take place.