the way for all lovers of righteousness to get life.—John 1:29, NW.

However, before mankind can receive the benefits of Jesus’ sacrifice or ransom, Satan and all his cohorts, both visible and invisible, must first be put out of the way, as they would obstruct all such activity in behalf of man. This Jesus Christ and his invisible armies will do at Armageddon, at “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” In that universal war all those on earth who do not take their stand for Jehovah will be destroyed, whereas Satan and his invisible hosts will be hurled into an abyss of deathlike inactivity for a thousand years.—Rev. 16:14, 16; 20:1-3, NW.

Armageddon’s survivors, the lovers of Jehovah and righteousness, will then see Jesus’ prayer being fulfilled: “Let your will come to pass, as in heaven, also upon earth.” That will mean a “new heavens and a new earth” in which righteousness will dwell.—Matt. 6:10; 2 Pet. 3:13, NW.

That heavenly kingdom of God, which will realize God’s purpose for mankind, consists of a King, Jesus Christ, and 144,000 royal associates. These associates are chosen from among men, are an exception to the rest of mankind and will be the only ones ever taken to heaven.—Rev. 14:1, 3.

As the seed of Abraham, Christ and his associates will bless all mankind. Under their Kingdom rule the effects of sin and death will gradually be removed. Their first subjects, the Armageddon survivors, the “great crowd” of Revelation 7 (NW), will share in a token fulfillment of the procreation mandate, bringing forth children in righteousness. They will also exercise wise, just and loving dominion over the brute creation and subdue the earth, making it a paradise. And then those in the memorial tombs, or in God’s memory, will hear Jesus’ “voice and come out.”—John 5:28, 29, NW.

At the end of the 1,000-year Kingdom rule Satan and his demons will be loosed so as to try all those dwelling on earth. All who succumb to selfish temptation will be destroyed with Satan and his demons. Those that withstand the test will be declared righteous by God and given the right to everlasting life. Then God’s purpose will be fully realized as all mankind enjoy endless life in an earthly paradise, unitedly worshiping Jehovah in spirit and in truth and dwelling together in happiness, love and peace.

Would you like to share in Jehovah’s glorious purpose for mankind, so certain to be realized, and that soon? Then give him the exclusive devotion all his creatures owe him and he rightfully requires of them. To help you give Jehovah exclusive devotion is the purpose of the Watch Tower publications and the activity of Jehovah’s witnesses. Accept the help they offer, to your lasting benefit.

Blames God for Accidents

● Because of improper religious education imperfect men often blaspheme God by blaming him for accidents, as though God should continually perform miracles to protect men from the consequences of their own folly. Thus a Mr. Joseph Jenkins, Sr., of New Jersey, upon hearing that an auto accident had for the fourth time in five years claimed a grown son of his, said: “I don’t know why God has to take my boys this way.” His spouse gave him small comfort, for she also blamed God, saying, “The Lord gives them to us and the Lord takes them away.” God does not cause automobile accidents. It is blasphemy to blame him for mechanical failure or errors of judgment on the part of men! As the Scripture says: “Time and chance happen to them all.”—Eccl. 9:11, RS.