“You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth–But How?”
Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1983, page 12-13
- “Many have found the second requirement more difficult. It is to obey God’s laws, yes, to conform one’s life to the moral requirements set out in the Bible. This includes refraining from a debauched, immoral way of life.–1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 1 Peter 4:3, 4.”
Comment: Notice the requirement for getting to Paradise earth includes obeying God’s laws. This is works’ righteousness.
You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth–But How?
‘LIVING forever on earth is just an impossible dream. There is no way anybody can do it.’
You may have heard people say that. Yet you may know that in the beginning, it was God’s purpose for obedient humans to live forever in an earthly Paradise. And God never fails to accomplish what he purposes! (Genesis 1:28; Isaiah 55:11) His Word plainly promises: “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.”–Psalm 37:29.
That is the thrilling message that Jehovah’s Witnesses bring to people when they call at their homes. The Kingdom, with Jesus Christ as Ruler, will see to it that God’s original purpose is accomplished. Under the Kingdom’s righteous administration this earth will be cultivated to become a beautiful Paradise. However, not everyone will be permitted to live in the Paradise earth. Requirements must be met. That is reasonable.–Matthew 6:10.
Consider: If you were the owner of a beautiful home surrounded by well-kept gardens, would you allow just anyone to live there? No, he would have to meet with your approval, meeting your requirements. What does God require of those who will reside forever upon his Paradise earth? Let us examine four basic requirements.
Four Requirements
Jesus Christ identified a first requirement when he said in prayer to his Father: “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3) Knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ includes knowledge of God’s purposes regarding the earth and of Christ’s role as earth’s new King. Will you take in such knowledge by studying the Bible?
Many have found the second requirement more difficult. It is to obey God’s laws, yes, to conform one’s life to the moral requirements set out in the Bible. This includes refraining from a debauched, immoral way of life.–1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 1 Peter 4:3, 4.
A third requirement is that we be associated with God’s channel, his organization. God has always used an organization. For example, only those in the ark in Noah’s day survived the Flood, and only those associated with the Christian congregation in the first century had God’s favor. (Acts 4:12) Similarly, Jehovah is using only one organization today to accomplish his will. To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it.
The fourth requirement is connected with loyalty. God requires that prospective subjects of his Kingdom support his
Page 13
government by loyally advocating his Kingdom rule to others. Jesus Christ explained: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth.” (Matthew 24:14) Will you meet this requirement by telling others about God’s Kingdom?
Perhaps you are well acquainted with these requirements. Yet many persons are ignorant of God’s purposes and of what he requires. Now we have a marvelous instrument to help such ones. It is the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. Have you used it to help others learn what God requires of them?
This article is also available in: Español
