21. In spite of certain persecution, why can we face the future with full confidence?

²¹ Keeping Jehovah’s sure promises in mind and remembering the faithful example of our brothers under persecution, we do not need to fear the future, even though it will bring down upon us all of Satan’s fiery wrath, his death throes. We know that Jehovah is allowing us to undergo a testing for the proving of our faith and for the vindication of his great Name. We know too that “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13) For this reason we will face the future with full faith and confidence, assured that we can overcome “all the wicked one’s burning missiles.” (Eph. 6:16) And finally we shall be able to cry out joyfully: “Thanks to God, for he gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”—1 Cor. 15:57.

Serving with Everlasting Life in View

“By endurance on your part you will acquire your souls.”—Luke 21:19.

1. How do normal human creatures feel about life?

NO NORMAL human creature wants to die. Whether one is young or old, rich or poor, in good health or in sickness, the instinct to hold on to life is very strong. Not only is this true in the affluent countries of the world, where life is easier and more comfortable, but it holds good, too, in the underdeveloped countries, where life is often very squalid, hard and uncertain. Amid all their difficulties and problems the saying still holds good that ‘while there is life there is hope.’

2. How should Christians feel about everlasting life?

² If this earnest longing and striving for life is true in such circumstances, how much more diligent and determined should the Christian be in making fast his hold on everlasting life. Yes, indeed, the incentive to pursue everlasting life should be immeasurably stronger than the natural instinct to hold on to our present human life, which normally does not reach even a hundred years. One who reads and believes the Bible’s promise that “the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord,” surely has the greatest hope for the future that any human could want or conceive.—Rom. 6:23.

3. How did Jesus describe the response among people to God’s promises of everlasting life?

³ When we read right through the Bible and take in all the wonderful descriptions it contains of life everlasting in a paradise earth, with freedom from sickness and strife, we wonder how anyone could fail to believe them and put his whole trust in Jehovah, the Giver of life. And yet Jesus foretold that very few would accept Jehovah’s promises and set their feet on the pathway to everlasting life. “Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate