[Box on page 11]

THE REALITY OF GOD’S KINGDOM

KING: Jesus, with authority to rule for 1,000 years.

HEAVENLY CORULERS: Chosen by God from faithful humans.

ITS REALM: Our earth with global paradise to be restored.

LOYAL SUBJECTS: Billions, to include resurrected dead.

LAWS: Based on God’s righteousness, kingly law of love.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: Aiding persons of all races to enjoy a happy life now, and preparing them for everlasting life in the earthly paradise.

¹⁰ Where the king and his corulers are deeply concerned about the people’s welfare, a kingdom can provide many benefits. It was that way in the ancient kingdom of Solomon, when the people “were many, like the grains of sand that are by the sea for multitude, eating and drinking and rejoicing.”​—1 Kings 4:20; 10:1-9.a

11. In what ways is the kingdom of God similar to kingdoms on earth?

¹¹ Does the fact that the kingdom of God rules from heaven make it any less real? Why, no! In the first place, it has a king who is very much alive and active. He is God’s own appointee, the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the Bible says: “On him nations will rest their hope.” (Romans 15:12) Like governments on earth, the heavenly kingdom has a composite ruling body. The Bible shows this to be made up of a limited number of associate kings, who have proved their integrity to God as men and women upon this earth. To these, Jesus says: “Have no fear, little flock, because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32; Revelation 5:9, 10; 20:4) The kingdom has heavenly authority. From its vantage point in the heavens, the Kingdom government can project its commands​—by means far more powerful than radio or laser beams—​to any place on earth.

12, 13. God’s kingdom has what kind of (a) laws, (b) educational arrangement, (c) health program?

¹² What about laws? Yes, God’s kingdom operates by laws​—the very best of laws, made by God to benefit the people. You can read about them in the Bible. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Mark 12:28-31) Does the Kingdom have an educational system? Certainly it does! Right now its educational program is reaching out to aid sincere persons of all nations and peoples and languages, to prepare them for life eternal under the Kingdom’s righteous administration. In whatever country of earth you may live, you personally can avail yourself of this course of instruction.​—Matthew 24:14; Revelation 7:9, 10; Isaiah 54:13.

¹³ Does the Kingdom have a health program? It has the most practical of all health programs​—that based on the ransom sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. This program will rid humans of their ailments and physical weaknesses, so that they may attain to everlasting life in the fullness of good health. (Isaiah 25:8; John 10:10) While he was on earth, Jesus performed many miracles, illustrating that he would have the authority and power to cure the sick, restore sight to the blind, heal the lame, and even bring dead persons back to life. (Luke 7:20-23) While this Kingdom program lies yet in the future, those who are learning about it today are learning also to lead clean, moral lives and are being restored right now to radiant spiritual health. Their hope is a real one.​—Isaiah 65:14; Romans 10:11.

14. While on earth, what did Jesus feature in his teaching?

¹⁴ When Jesus was a man on earth, he taught many things about the kingdom of God and, in fact, provided a preview of life under its rulership. (Luke 4:43; Matthew 12:22-28) He taught his disciples about God, so that they could draw close to God in the relationship of sons to a loving father. He provided them with sound guidance for coping successfully with the situations we encounter in life.​—John 1:18; 14:6.