A New Beginning (continued)
Developing a godly character now benefits us in this life, but also in the life to come (1) (1 Timothy 4:8).
For those who have tried to develop a godly character, God will preserve them forever by sharing his immortal nature with them if they are heirs of the covenant promises (2) (2 Peter 1:4).
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These promises offer eternal life because they offer the land of Israel forever to anyone who is a descendant of Abraham (3) (Genesis 17:7-8). Someone who inherits the land of Israel is said to ‘inherit the kingdom’ (4) (Matthew 25:34), since the kingdom is the kingdom of Israel. Someone who inherits the kingdom must be made immortal, since someone who is mortal (flesh and blood) cannot inherit the kingdom (5) (1 Corinthians 15:50).
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When Jesus returns to earth to take on his role as the Christ and restore the kingdom to Israel, he will need administrators. These administrators will be those faithful men and women who have been redeemed or purchased with his blood (baptized). They are described as reigning on the earth (6) (Revelation 5:9-10). Similarly, Jesus promises that those who overcome sin will reign with him on his throne (7) (Revelation 3:21). ​
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A person baptized into Christ is described as being part of a new creation (8) (2 Corinthians 5:17). Ultimately, the redeemed humans will be part of this new creation. At the end of a 1000-year period, Christ will transform his reign. After he has vanquished all rule, authority and power, Christ will deliver the kingdom to God. When the reign of Christ is no longer required, death will no longer exist (9) (1 Corinthians 15:24-26). God’s purpose will be completed.
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You, the reader, are invited to participate in these “exceeding great and precious promises” (10) (2 Peter 1:4), because “God is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (11) (2 Peter 3:9).
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“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with us all. Amen.” (12) (Revelation 22:20-21, the final words of the Bible)