In the last Bible Study, we looked at current world conditions, a world filled with marvelous technological achievements, yet plagued with ever-increasing evils. Despite man’s best efforts, humanity’s problems appear to be snowballing out of control.

The world is farther from a tranquil, peaceful existence than it has ever been. More nations are seeking to arm themselves with nuclear weapons, trying to become members of the “nuclear club.” There has never been a greater need for nations to resolve their differences through peaceful means.

Many leaders in government, science and politics say worldwide peace is possible, but only if administered through a world-governing body. But they also admit that such utopian thinking is only a pipe dream, because the nations could never agree on who would rule or how.

But are these leaders correct? Is it possible to have a world-ruling government that will usher in universal peace? Such global peace, happiness and prosperity is not only possible, but is indeed coming—and in our time! Let’s look into God’s Word to see how this will come about.

(1) More than 1,900 years ago, God sent a special Messenger to earth with important news for humanity. Who was that Messenger, and what news did He bring? Matthew 9:35; Mark 1:14.

Jesus Christ was an “advance news courier” who brought a message of hope for humanity. Christ’s message was big news, a sensational announcement of the most colossal future event ever to occur in human history! That message was the gospel—meaning “good news”—of a coming government: the kingdom of God. It will be a literal, world-ruling government soon to be established on this earth.

(2) How will such a government be equitably administered, and who will be the head? Luke 1:30-33; Revelation 11:15; John 18:36-37. Where did Jesus Christ go after being brought back to life? Acts 1:11. Will He return to the earth? Same verse; John 14:3. Will He restore all things? Acts 3:20-21.

After being resurrected from the dead, Christ ascended to His Father’s throne in heaven, from which they rule the universe (Hebrews 1:1-3; 8:1). Christ is now awaiting His return to restore the government of God over the entire earth.

At one time, God’s government did exist on this earth, perhaps millions of years ago. God placed a third of His angels on earth and appointed an archangel named Lucifer to administer His government and to take charge of one third of the angels. That same Lucifer (now Satan) not only rebelled against God, but also attempted to replace Him as ruler of the entire universe (Isaiah 14:12-14).

(3) Though we will not know the day or the hour of Christ’s Return (Matthew 25:13; 24:36), can we have a general idea of when it will occur? Matthew 24:32-33. Did Jesus Christ give any indication of what signs would precede His Second Coming? Matthew 24:1-31.

(4) How bad will world conditions be just prior to Christ’s Second Coming? Matthew 24:21. What would be the outcome if these days of world peril and tribulation were allowed to run their course? Verse 22.

(5) Has there ever existed a time of world trouble similar to what is to occur before Christ’s Return? Mark 13:19; Matthew 24:21. Also read Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1; Joel 2:2.

Notice that each of these references shows that this future time of world crisis has no equal. These verses can only be referring to the same event of great worldwide trouble. These events are soon to occur, made possible by this age of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. Only since the existence of weapons of mass destruction has it been possible to erase all human life from the planet.

(6) Will Christ intervene in world affairs to cut short this time of great tribulation, and thus prevent the annihilation of all humanity? Mark 13:20.

Thankfully, Christ will return to save humanity from itself; otherwise all human life would be exterminated.

(7) Will the entire world see Christ’s Return? Matthew 24:27, 30. Will a mighty trumpet blast announce His Second Coming so everyone hears? Matthew 24:31; I Thessalonians 4:16.

Christ’s Second Coming to this earth is not only the greatest event in human history, but also humanity’s only hope for survival. It will be a dramatic, colossal, earth-shaking event. The whole world will hear and see Christ coming in great power and glory

(8) Who will come with Christ? Matthew 25:31; Revelation 19:14. Who else will accompany Christ as He descends from the sky? Zechariah 14:5 (last part); I Thessalonians 4:14-17.

Jesus Christ will be accompanied by a powerful army of angels; in addition to them will be the “saints.” The saints are members of God’s true Church who will have just become Spirit members of God’s divine Family.

(9) How will this huge event be received? Will Christ be welcomed by everyone? Or will many attempt to fight Him? Revelation 17:14. What will be the outcome? Will Jesus Christ (the Lamb) totally defeat them? Same verse and Revelation 19:11-16.

Because of such a display of power and glory, many of the earth’s inhabitants will feel threatened and refuse to yield to His authority, perhaps thinking He is an enemy alien. In their anger they will try to fight Christ at His Return. Christ will then have to squash the resistance, subdue the world and force humanity, at first, to submit to His rule.

But the nations will eventually learn through experience that the returned Christ is a loving ruler. They will learn that under His righteous rule, everyone will experience peace, happiness and prosperity.

(10) What is one of the first things Christ will do after He returns? Revelation 20:1-3.

Satan, who is responsible for having influenced humanity to sin, will be banished (Ephesians 2:2; Revelation 12:9). His evil influence will no longer be around to affect humanity.

(11) Will the immortal saints assist Jesus Christ in ruling the nations of mortal human beings for 1,000 years? Daniel 7:27; Revelation 2:26-27; 3:21; 5:10; 20:4.

In the coming government of God, all in Christ’s administration will be Spirit beings, appointed by Him to various positions of responsibility.

(12) Will Christ and the saints rule righteously and with true justice? Isaiah 11:2-5; Matthew 20:25-28.

Christ and His assistants (the saints) will rule with godly love and will have outgoing concern for the welfare of their subjects. Their rule will be for the good of all people so they can experience happiness.

(13) In the world to come, how will the knowledge of God’s Way be taught? Isaiah 2:2-4. Will that knowledge eventually spread over the entire earth? Isaiah 11:9.

After God’s government is established and all nations are brought into subjection to that government, Christ and the saints will begin to re-educate the world, teaching the proper way to live, according to God’s law of love. The nations will no longer learn or teach war. They will have no need for weapons, but will convert their weapons of warfare into instruments for peaceful productivity.

The various physical laws that affect our health and physical bodies will be taught. In addition, God’s spiritual Law, which regulates our spiritual well-being, will be taught and followed throughout the earth. This will bring about a world that at one time was thought to be impossible. The result will be vigorous, vibrant health. People’s lives will become filled with enthusiasm, dynamic interest, constructive activity, happiness and joy!

The Bible clearly shows there is a brighter tomorrow—a much better world on the horizon. A world of utopia, peace, prosperity and happiness!