Gerald E. Weston

[The text below represents an edited transcript of the television version of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Democracy Is Not Going to Solve Our Problems

Tens of millions of people go to the polls each year to vote for the candidate of their choice. Sometimes it’s FOR a candidate. Other times it’s a vote AGAINST the other fellow. We’ve all heard the slogans—vote for so and so:

• For a Brighter Future
• He’s a Candidate You Can Trust
• Just Believe!
• Yes, We Can!
• Build Back Better
• It’s Time for Change
• We Can Do Better

It’s human nature to desire to make your voice heard, and democracy in one form or another is ingrained in us from an early age. Some candidates are elected to keep the country out of war, yet often end up in war. Whether it’s a country ruled by a king, a dictator, or an elected official, events outside of their control often define their rule.

The United States is a Democratic Republic, where citizens cherish their voice in choosing their leaders.

On November 19, 1863, former United States President Abraham Lincoln spoke these famous words in the aftermath of the American Civil War Battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth” (The Gettysburg Address. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1863).

Yes, government of the people, by the people, for the people is taken for granted as the way government should be, and although other nations may not use the same words, government by the people is in the hearts of many. But is there a better way? Not only is there a better way, that better way is just around the corner. Stay tuned!

A Better Government Is Coming

A warm welcome to all of you from all of us here at Tomorrow’s World, where today I’m going to show you from the Bible that there is a better way than government of the people and by the people.

I’ll also be offering you a free resource that explains the nature and the source of that government, so have writing material available so you can order our easy-to-read booklet, Do You Believe the True Gospel?

Have you realized dear friends that the good news, the Gospel that Jesus proclaimed for three-and-a-half years prior to His crucifixion, is a message about a new government to come? Why isn’t that biblical message being taught in today’s churches?

To understand, we need the big picture.

Mankind’s chaotic attempts to govern himself began in the Garden of Eden. God placed in that paradise two trees with great symbolic meaning. One tree symbolized man looking to God to define the way to live, to determine right and wrong. And if that tree was chosen, it would lead to life. The other tree symbolized man setting himself up as god, to determine for himself right and wrong.

So, what do those trees have to do with this subject? Everything! When I graduated from Ambassador College in 1969, our yearbook wrote of the results of man’s attempts to build a world apart from God. It labeled education as “the Mother which spawned the Scientists, Captains of Industry and Business, Politicians and Rulers, leaders in Modern Society, and the Theologians.” But what are the results of humanity’s mother—its systems of education—is a “sick, chaotic world of violence.” On the subject of government, the Envoy explains:

The modern world has produced three more or less new forms of government. Each promises peace, happiness, and prosperity for its people… United States and British-type “Democracy”; Swedish and French-type Modern “Socialism”; and atheistic Communism. 

All three are predicated on the theory that every individual has the right to share in the results of Science, Industry, and the modern life. All three are based on a system of Industry, and diffusion of Education. But what do we actually find? We find some heads of state sincerely seeking peace, and the betterment of their peoples. But none is bringing peace because none knows the way to peace. But all too often we find also the opposite. We find selfish, greedy men of excessive vanity, ambitious in their lust for rule, scheming to get their hands on the throttle of power for personal aggrandizement and monetary gain. We find graft, immorality, deception, dishonesty, running rampant in high places. 

Governments promise peace but bring wars!

There is no doubt that some leaders are better than others, but none truly bring a lasting solution to mankind’s problems. The solution to humanity’s problems can never be found in man’s governments. It must be found in the neglected word of God.

Satan Is the Ruler of This World for Now

Adam chose the wrong tree, and mankind has followed his example ever since. But as we read in Genesis, Adam and his wife Eve, were influenced by a deceptive and persuasive spirit being. He is no mythical figure. He is the god of this world! Does that surprise you? Jesus referred to him as such three times on the night in which He was betrayed. For example, He said in John 12:31,

“Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.”

Then in John 14:30, Jesus said,

“I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.”

While not mentioning Satan or the devil by name, Jesus’ reference is clear. The Apostle Paul also refers to Satan as the god of this age in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

And how can we neglect this powerful statement on who it is that directs the course of this world.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1-2).

Yes, it is Satan the devil who directs the course of our world, and that means our approach toward science, business, entertainment, government, and yes, even religion and theologians. And this includes professing Christianity, for, as we read in 2 Corinthians 11:4.

For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

And in case this is not plain enough, Paul continues in verses 14 and 15:

And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

The Gospel Message Includes Government

This understanding of who the god of this age is, who directs the course of this world, explains what we see around us. It explains the confusion, the hatred, the degeneracy, the selfishness and greed, and the endless wars. But the Bible gives us hope. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is far more than about His death, burial, and resurrection.

Yes, that is important, but He came with a message of hope for this troubled world that goes far beyond what you hear in Sunday morning sermons. He brought a message about a soon-coming government to replace the current god of this age.

To learn more about the exciting message Jesus was sent to give—a message extensively explained in scripture after scripture—order our free resource, Do You Believe the True Gospel?

Frankly, dear friends, you will be shocked to learn how deceived you may have been about the message Jesus proclaimed. The true Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most exciting message ever given to humanity and the good thing is that you can open your bible and prove these things for yourself. It is all there in your Bible and this resource will point out many of the plain, easy to understand, passages of Scripture that spell it out. So, order your free copy of Do You Believe the True Gospel? 

The Return of Jesus Christ Will Save the World from Destruction

Let’s be honest with ourselves. Our world is in trouble. We have regional wars in Europe and the Middle East—either of which can explode into World War III. I could go on about the truly existential threats in our world, but we hear plenty of that, and we see it all around us. However, the message Jesus proclaimed was that of good news. Yes, He did speak of some very bad news just prior to His return. He said it will get so bad that unless He returns to stop our madness, all flesh would be destroyed. Here it is in His famous Olivet prophecy.

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:21-22).

However, the good news is that He will intervene to save us from ourselves. And the overwhelming focus of Jesus’ message was one of hope—the good news of His coming Kingdom. Most of His ministry focused on the Kingdom of God. It was only toward the end of His ministry that He spoke of His death and resurrection.

This fact is shown in our free resource, Do You Believe the True Gospel?. Don’t believe me just because I say it. Prove it for yourself out of the pages of your own Bible. Do You Believe the True Gospel? will help you do so.

The Kingdom of God Will Replace This World’s Political Systems

Do you realize the expression “Kingdom of God” is mentioned 70 times in the New Testament? And Matthew uses the expression “Kingdom of Heaven” 33 additional times. There are other references to the Gospel of the Kingdom, or simply the Kingdom. Should we not take notice of something referred to over 100 times by Jesus and the Apostles? 

We’ll look at what Jesus meant by His Kingdom message, but first let’s show what He didn’t mean. As explained in a previous program about the gospel that Jesus Christ proclaimed, I stated the following:

In the sermon on the mount—considered to be at the heart of Jesus’ message to mankind—we find what are called the beatitudes, or beautiful attitudes. We read in Matthew 5 and verse 3: 

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

Many assume this means we go to heaven, but two verses later, in verse 5, we read:

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

This presents a problem. Do the poor in spirit (verse 3) go to heaven, while the meek (verse 5) inherit the earth? Which is it? Heaven or earth? The answer lies with the question of what does the expression “kingdom of heaven” mean? 

Matthew uses this expression most of the time, but he also uses, as we see in chapter 6 and verse 33, the expression, Kingdom of God.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).

We also find Matthew uses the two—Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God—interchangeably. Here it is in chapter 19, and verses 23 and 24:

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, “Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:23-24).

Interestingly, the other gospel writers—Mark, Luke, and John – never, not even once, use the expression Kingdom of Heaven. They consistently use only Kingdom of God. And in the original Greek, from which the New Testament is translated, the words heaven and God are very different. They cannot be confused. So, when Jesus said:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

And followed two verses later with:

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

We must take a closer look at the meaning of the expressions “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Kingdom of God.” What is the difference between the two? And what relationship does this have with where the saved go after death? Let me answer that with these simple questions:

• Does the expression Kingdom of God mean that the Kingdom is in God?
• Or does the expression show ownership of the Kingdom—God’s Kingdom?

Yes, it is God’s kingdom, not a kingdom in God. Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God are interchangeable and denote ownership, not location.

The Gospel of the Kingdom Includes the King, His People, and His Laws

The Kingdom of God is the most exciting message ever given. It is about a world-ruling government to come. People become most excited about voting into office a new knight in shining armor who will save us from all our problems, but fail to see the one and only solution to humanity’s difficulties. Professing Christians talk about Jesus, celebrate His birth, and throw about the term gospel, but precious few have any understanding of the message Jesus proclaimed for three-and-one-half years prior to His crucifixion and resurrection. Do you? Don’t be too sure. Our resource Do You Believe the True Gospel?  takes you through the Bible and demonstrates what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. If you consider yourself a Christian, would you not want to be certain of what that Gospel is?

Beware of a Different Gospel

After all, Paul pronounced a curse on anyone preaching a different gospel.

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:6-8).

That’s from Galatians 1, verses 6 thru 8, and they are strong words. I personally fear to teach any other gospel than the one Jesus Christ proclaimed. And I hope that you do as well.

That is why we are offering this free resource—Do You Believe the True Gospel? You don’t need to guess. You ought not follow anyone blindly, so order your free copy of Do You Believe the True Gospel? and do it today.

Read it and look up the scriptures. Prove it for yourself.

Mankind’s Lasting Hope Is to Replace Democracy—and All Other Human Governments

Hope springs eternal for those who are looking for the next politician who can bring peace and prosperity to all his citizens. For sure, some men or women do a better job than others in positions of rulership, but the overall track record of government of the people and by the people, leaves many disappointed. Now don’t misunderstand.

Sir Winston Churchill was not far from the truth when he said:

“Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time“ (Churchill by Himself, p. 574).

But is there a better way? Are we left to our own devices in selecting the next great hope? And we must ask: Does the majority really select our leaders? As we have seen in an earlier portion of this program, there is a powerful spirit being who directs the course of this world. Note it again from Ephesians 2:1-2.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1-2).

However, we must also recognize that God raises up and removes rulers in order to carry out His purposes. Do we really think we can outvote Him?

Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His.... He removes kings and raises up kings” (Daniel 2:20-21).

Jesus Christ Is Bringing the Better Solution with the Kingdom of God

Jesus Christ offers us a better way than the government of the people and by the people. The Kingdom of God is the government of God, as we see from Daniel 7. This chapter begins by describing four world ruling kingdoms as wild beasts. Notice the explanation given to Daniel regarding these four beasts—verses 17 and 18:

Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever (Daniel 7:17-18).

These same four kingdoms—king and kingdom are used interchangeably in the Bible—are referred to in Daniel 2 where Nebuchadnezzar saw a giant image of a man in a most vivid dream. Daniel was called in to explain the dream. Here is the interpretation:

“You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom….you are this head of gold. But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron…that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others” (Daniel 2:37-40).

These four kingdoms are the same as the four beasts described in Daniel 7. And in both cases, the fourth kingdom continues in one form or another until the coming of the Messiah who will crush that kingdom and give rulership over to a very different kind of people.

Notice the explanation of the conclusion of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, beginning in verse 41:

“Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it…. As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:41-44).

Just Believing in Jesus Is Not Enough

What does all this have to do with you? And what does it have to do with the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

I’ll answer these questions in the conclusion of today’s program, but I want to remind you of our resource—Do You Believe the True Gospel?—which explains all of this in greater detail. And the good thing is that you can open your Bible and prove these things for yourself.

No, the Gospel is not about “just believe in Jesus and, after a life of cramming all the fun you can into it, you die and go off to a celestial retirement.” The true Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most exciting message ever given to man, but the god of this world has blinded the eyes of professing Christians. As it says in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4,

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

So, pick up the phone and order your free copy of Do You Believe the True Gospel? Do it today and when I come back I’ll explain why this should be important to you.

Satan Has Blinded This World from the True Gospel

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important proclamation in the history of the world, but the minds of professing Christians have been blinded by the god of this age. Yet, the Bible is full of this message. Note what Jesus said in Luke 4:43:

“I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”

So, what does this have to do with you? Everything! In Jesus’ parable of the minas, He describes a nobleman (representing himself) going into a far country (heaven) to receive for Himself a kingdom. We read of that coronation ceremony in Daniel 7:13-14. Write that down and look it up: Daniel 7:13-14. Or you can order our free resource, Do You Believe the True Gospel?, where this and many other scriptures can be found. Prove it for yourself.

Daniel 7:27 goes on to make this profound statement:

Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints [servants] of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.

The Gospel Message Is of a Government for the People—But Not “by the People”

When Jesus returns to earth, He will appoint those who will rule on earth, as we read in Christ’s parable of the minas.

Then came the first, saying, “Master, your mina has earned ten minas.” And he said to him, “Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities” (Luke 19:16-17).

No more politicking. No more government of the people and by the people. However, it will be government for the people—all people—and it will be fair, compassionate, and bring prosperity to all.

Seek to Be in the Kingdom of God

This is the Gospel Jesus brought—a message about a future government, a government that you can be part of. Just imagine. Develop the character of Jesus Christ now and help bring peace and prosperity for all when He sets up His kingdom at His return.

Don’t be deceived by a false gospel. There is far more to this than I’ve covered in this short program, so be sure to order your free copy of Do You Believe the True Gospel?

And be sure to come back next week, when Richard Ames, Wallace Smith, Rod McNair, and I explain the prophecies of the Bible, proclaim the good news of Christ’s coming Kingdom, and help you understand the world in which you live today. See you next time.

[The text below represents an edited transcript of the TV version of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Are Heaven and Hell the Only Options After Death?

Life is wonderful when we are healthy and all is going well. Under such circumstances we want it to go on forever, but our bodies don’t last. They break down and, eventually, life in this flesh comes to an end. Then what?

Many believe we have an immortal soul that immediately goes to heaven or descends into a place of eternal torment. Ministers teach this to their congregations and parents teach this to their children. But is that what the Bible tells us about what happens when we die?

There is no more important question than “when you die, then what?” Can you know? And where can you go for the answer?

Science offers no answers. Philosophers speculate and disagree with one another. Some eastern religions teach reincarnation but have no proof. Only the Bible gives a credible answer, but it is not the one most think it is.

You need to know for sure. On today’s program, we will look at what the Bible actually says about life after death. Also on today’s program, I’ll be offering a free resource that gives additional information on this subject. Be sure to have writing material available to take down our contact information to receive a free copy of What Happens When You Die? I’ll be back in five seconds to give you the answer to this most important of all questions.

The Bible Challenges Pagan Traditions—Including Heaven and Hell

A warm welcome to all of you from all of us here at Tomorrow’s World, where today I’m asking the question: When you die—then what? And I’ll give you the answer straight from the pages of the Bible.

Traditions, handed down from generation to generation, have baked into the subject the pagan doctrine that you have an ever-living soul that goes to heaven or hell upon death. This tradition needs to be challenged from the Bible.

The Immortal Soul Does Not Exist in Scripture

The Old Testament word that is translated soul comes from the Hebrew word nephesh. It is first used when describing the creation of man. Notice it in Genesis 2 and verse 7:

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul [nephesh] (Genesis 2:7, KJV).

Now that is from the King James Version. The New King James Version and other translations say “a living being.” But regardless of the translation, it should be obvious to any thinking person that whatever this nephesh is, it is not immortal. If this nephesh—this soul—is living, would that not indicate you could have a dead nephesh? And that is exactly what Scripture tells us. There are many examples of this, but let’s notice one that is so obvious that even a child can understand it. God declares in Ezekiel 18:4:

Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die (Ezekiel 18:4).

And verse 20 repeats this for emphasis:

The soul who sins shall die (Ezekiel 18:20).

The Soul Is Mortal, Meaning It Can Die

Again, there are many proofs that whatever the Bible calls a soul is mortal, but let’s see what Jesus said.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).

Notice that both the physical body and the soul—the life principle—can be destroyed by God.

Now let’s turn to what is arguably the best-known scripture in all the Bible—John 3:16.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Here we see that perishing and everlasting life are contrasted—opposites. God gave His Son as a sacrifice for our sins so that we would NOT perish but live forever. And is this not what the Apostle Paul confirms in Romans 6:23?

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

Yes, what we earn from sin is not eternal life in hellfire but death. Why is that so difficult to understand?

Going to Hell at Death Would Be the Equivalent of Eternal Life

It amazes me how angry some so-called Christians become when you tell them that the reward of the unsaved is NOT eternal life in a place of ever-burning torture. How much evil can a person do to be punished for a billion years squared and squared again a billion times! That hardly sounds like a God of love.

No, the Bible speaks of a fire so hot that it burns up the wicked. As John the Baptist said:

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:11-12).

Fire by nature is unquenchable. It burns until there is no more fuel. Now I understand that there are several scriptures that need explanation, but they will have to wait for another program.

Compare Traditions with What the Bible Actually Says

Dear friends, we all have an expiration date in our future, so do you care what happens when you die? Are you satisfied with accepting a tradition you’ve heard all your life that may not be true? Or would you really like to know—straight from the pages of the Bible? Our free resource—What Happens When You Die?—gives a thorough explanation of this subject.

Senior Tomorrow’s World telecast presenter—Mr. Richard Ames—asks these vitally important questions:

Is there any way to know with certainty what awaits us after we die?

• Do the dead go to heaven or hell?
• Or does the Bible say something else entirely?
• What is the real reward of the saved?

He also asks and answers this question that has plagued many over the centuries:

• Does God have a plan for those who die without having ever heard about Jesus Christ?

We must not make assumptions out of our limited understanding. The Bible provides the answers. So, order today, a free copy of What Happens When You Die? Just call the toll-free number shown on your screen or go to TWTV.ORG/Death. There is no cost and your name will not be sold to anyone. It really is that simple. And when I return after this short break, I’ll introduce a seeming contradiction of scripture and how it relates to this subject.

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God Includes the True Christian Inheritance

On this Tomorrow’s World telecast, I’m asking and answering the question: When you die—then what? The source for the answer is the Bible, the very book that Christianity claims to be its source of truth, but instead answers with heathen traditions. In the previous section I explained that, according to the Bible, whatever a soul is, it is mortal and the idea that it goes off to heaven or hell upon death is based on human tradition.

In the Sermon on the Mount—considered to be at the heart of Jesus’ message to mankind—we find what are called the beatitudes, or beautiful attitudes. We read in Matthew 5 and verse 3:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

Many assume this means we go to heaven, but two verses later, in verse 5, we read:

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

This presents a problem. Do the poor in spirit (verse 3) go to heaven, while the meek (verse 5) inherit the earth? Which is it? Heaven or earth? The answer lies with the question of what does the expression “Kingdom of Heaven” mean?

Matthew uses this expression most of the time, but he also uses, as we see in chapter 6 and verse 33, the expression “Kingdom of God.”

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).

We also find Matthew uses the two—Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God—interchangeably. Here it is in chapter 19, verses 23 and 24:

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:23-24).

Interestingly, the other gospel writers—Mark, Luke, and John—never, not even once, use the expression Kingdom of Heaven. They consistently use only Kingdom of God. And in the original Greek, from which the New Testament is translated, the words heaven and God are very different—they cannot be confused. So, when Jesus said:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

And followed two verses later with:

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

We must take a closer look at the meaning of the expressions “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Kingdom of God.” What is the difference between the two and what relationship does this have with where the saved go after death? Let me answer that with these simple questions:

• Does the expression Kingdom of God mean that the Kingdom is IN God?
• Or does the expression show ownership of the Kingdom—God’s Kingdom?

Yes, it is God’s Kingdom, not a kingdom IN God.

Let me give this example. If we were to refer to the Bank of Morgan, would we assume the bank is in Morgan, or owned by Morgan? The answer is obvious. The bank is not in Morgan. Morgan is the owner—it is Morgan’s bank. So why is it so difficult for people to understand that the Kingdom of Heaven is not a kingdom in Heaven. It is Heaven’s—that is God’s—Kingdom.

The Saints Will Inherit the Kingdom of God—on Earth

Therefore, when Jesus said:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

He was saying that Heaven’s Kingdom—the same as God’s Kingdom—is reserved for the poor in spirit. But verse 5 shows the location of their inheritance—not in heaven, but on earth.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

There is no contradiction between the two verses. On the night in which He was betrayed, Jesus told His disciples:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2).

On the surface, this may sound like we will go to heaven to live in palatial mansions, but the next verse clarifies the subject by saying:

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3).

And this brings up an important question: Where will Jesus be? If we’ll be where He is, that will answer the question of where we’ll be.

I’ll answer that shortly, but I want to remind you of today’s free offer, What Happens When You Die? Dear friends, the Bible is very clear when you look at all the passages relating to this subject. Yes, there are a few ambiguous verses. However, a careful reading of them shows they do not contradict clear passages of scripture. Our resource—What Happens When You Die?—addresses verses that I don’t have time to cover on this program, so order your copy today. Just call the toll-free number or go to TWTV.ORG/Death. Our booklet What Happens When You Die? will be sent to you free of charge as it has already been paid for by Living Church of God members and our coworkers. And when I return after this short 15-second break, I’ll show you what the Bible says about where Jesus will be.

Jesus Christ Will Establish His Kingdom on Earth When He Returns

On this Tomorrow’s World program, I’m addressing the question: When you die—then what?

As we have already seen, we must read the Bible carefully. One example of a misunderstanding Jesus’ disciples had is a warning for us to listen and read carefully. It is found in John 21. The context is when Jesus told Peter something about his future—verse 18:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish” (John 21:18).

It is then that Peter wanted to know what would happen to John.

Peter, seeing him [that is, John], said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me” (John 21:21-22).

Now notice how this simple statement was widely misunderstood.

Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” (John 21:23).

Compare Your Beliefs with What Is Actually in the Bible

It is only too easy to read something into Scripture that is not there, and this is especially true if you have been told something all your life. And that is what too many do. They have heard that people go to heaven when they die, and they read that into scriptures that say no such thing.

As we have already seen, when people see the words, Kingdom of Heaven, they read into it, that we are going to heaven; but as I have shown, the expression “Kingdom of Heaven” indicates ownership rather than location. For when it says Kingdom of God, it does not mean the Kingdom is in God. But rather it is God’s Kingdom. The Kingdom belongs to Heaven, that is God.

There are more scriptures than I have time to address that are erroneously believed to support going to heaven, and many are covered in our free resource—What Happens When You Die? But let’s get to the crux of the issue. Jesus tells us in John 12:26:

“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor” (John 12:26).

But where does the Bible tell us He will be?

Jesus Himself said, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me.”

Following His resurrection and how He appeared on numerous occasions to His disciples and others for 40 days, we read that He was taken up into heaven as they watched. We next read in Acts, chapter 1:

And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10-11).

We also read of His return to earth in Revelation 22 and verse 12. If you have a red-letter Bible you will see that these are Jesus’ own words.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).

Jesus Christ Will Rule on Earth from Jerusalem When He Returns

Yes, He is coming back to earth, and His reward is with Him. And to this, many other scriptures agree, both in the Old Testament and the New. For example, the prophet Zechariah is explicit when he says the Messiah would come back to rule on the earth. And he does not talk in sentimental terms of ruling in our hearts. Notice the time setting is the Day of the Lord—the time in the future when God intervenes dramatically in world affairs. Begin in verse 1.

Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, and your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem…. Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east (Zechariah 14:1-4).

Now notice that this has not yet happened. This is not about His first coming but His second coming.

And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south (Zechariah 14:4).

The prophet goes on to show in verse 9:

And the Lord shall be King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9).

He also explains that all nations will be called up to worship the King, Jesus Christ, at Jerusalem and any nation that does not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles and worship the King will have no rain. Look it up. Read it for yourself in Zechariah 14!

Dear friends, this is a large subject and I want you to understand it. We must not rely on traditions handed down to us. The only source of truth is the very word of God—the Bible. Our free resource—What Happens When You Die?—will answer the questions that you may be wondering about right now. For example: What about the thief on the cross? And what happens to the unrepented wicked?

These and many more questions are answered in our resource—What Happens When You Die? And this easy-to-read booklet, which is documented by scriptures that you can look up in your own Bible, can be yours free for the asking. So pick up the phone and call the toll free number on your screen, or go to TWTV.org/Death. And when I come back after this short break, I’ll show you what Jesus said about His Kingdom and where He will set it up.

All Scripture Points to Jesus Christ Returning to Rule on Earth

Welcome back to Tomorrow’s World, where I’m asking and answering the question: When you die—then what? Can there be any more important question than this? We cannot rely on tradition, even tradition that supposedly comes from the Bible. We must read from the Bible what it actually says.

The Jews of Jesus’ day knew that He was preaching the good news of the coming Kingdom of God, which they thought He would set up in His day. That is the reason He gave the Parable of the Minas. We read of this parable in Luke the 19th chapter. Let’s notice it beginning in verse 12:

Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’ “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities’” (Luke 19:12-19).

Note that it said He would go into a far country to receive a kingdom and to return. This is a clear reference to Him going to heaven after He was resurrected. But do you realize, dear friends, that this receiving of a kingdom was foretold hundreds of years earlier? You can read it in Daniel 7:13 and 14:

I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed (Daniel 7:13-14).

The book of Daniel is all about five great kingdoms, or empires—four human, one Divine (the Kingdom of God). They begin with Nebuchadnezzar’s Chaldean Empire, followed by the Medo-Persian Empire, overthrown by Alexander the Great and his Greco-Macedonian Empire, and ending with the Roman Empire, which would continue in one form or another all the way down to the coming of Christ when He sets up His Kingdom.

Jesus Christ Will Rule His Kingdom with His Faithful Servants

And as we read in the Parable of the Minas, the Kingdom of God will be ruled by Christ and those servants of His who have proven to have holy, righteous character. Here is how Daniel explains it—verse 27:

Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him (Daniel 7:27).

And if all of this is not clear enough, Revelation 5:9-10 tell us exactly from where Christ’s servants will rule:

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:9-10).

There is so much more regarding this subject and that is why we are offering a free resource—What Happens When You Die? I sincerely hope you will avail yourself of this vital resource.

And be sure to come back next week when Richard Ames, Wallace Smith, Rod McNair, and I bring you the good news of Tomorrow’s World, explain end-time prophecies, and make sense of the world in which we live. See you next week.