These crucial questions have perplexed people for centuries. Some, seeing so much suffering, conclude that God doesn't exist. Paradoxically, some look at the same troubled world, yet they're convinced that the Kingdom of God spoken of in the Bible exists now on earth in the form of one or more church organizations, or in the collective worldwide efforts of Bible believers, or in the hearts of men.

Thus the theme of this issue—what exactly is the Kingdom of God? What does the Bible really teach about this critical subject? And how can we become a part of it?

Few realize the real answer as to why our world suffers from so many intractable problems. Yet the answer is simple: In terms of human society this isn't God's world, it's Satan's.

This evil being is called "the god of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4). He "deceives the whole world" (Revelation 12:9). Jesus Christ calls him "the ruler of this world" (John 14:30; 16:11). John tells us that "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19). (To learn more, download or request our free booklet Is There Really a Devil?)

So no, this world is not the Kingdom of God. Jesus Himself said Christians are to pray that the Kingdom will come (Matthew 6:10; Luke 11:2). It is to be our foremost goal (Matthew 6:33). Flesh and blood cannot inherit it (1 Corinthians 15:50).

So what is this Kingdom, and when does it come? At Christ's return to the earth, the announcement will be made that "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever" (Revelation 11:15, English Standard Version).

Many Bible passages reveal that this will be a literal Kingdom established on earth. Jesus told His 12 disciples that when He reigns on His throne in that Kingdom, they would reign with Him, "judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew 1:28). Daniel 7:14 is a prophecy that in this everlasting Kingdom given to Jesus Christ, "all peoples, nations, and languages [will] serve Him."

What will this Kingdom be like? Again, many prophecies tell us. Great miracles of healing will occur—the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will walk and the mute will speak (Isaiah 35:5- 6). The world's desert areas will be transformed, made lush with streams and flowers (verses 1-2, 6-7). Agricultural areas will be astoundingly productive (Amos 9:13). Peace will break out across the globe, and people will no longer learn war (Isaiah 2:4).

All this is but a taste of the future. Yes, a new world is coming. It won't be a world of merely human leaders, human government and human ideas about what works best. It will be a glorious world in which Jesus Christ will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

And the truly good news is that He wants you to have a part in it! "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's pleasure to give you the kingdom," He tells us (Luke 12:32).

Learn more about that invitation in this issue. Are you willing to take Him up on His offer?