Does the fact that God’s will is not being done on earth mean the kingdom isn’t here?
Question:
I was stopped by two Jehovah’s Witnesses and was very thankful that I had the scriptural knowledge and the courage to dispute some of the things they said. As a member of the church, I fully understand the nature of Christ’s kingdom and provided scriptural evidence for its current presence on earth. They posed a question I need help answering, and I would like for you to share your thoughts with me. They quoted their version of Matthew 6:9 and asked if I thought His will was being done on earth and wanted to use that phrase to dispute the presence of the Kingdom. What should my response have been to that?
Thank you.
Answer:
My first question would be: "You mean mere men can thwart the will of God?"
"Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,' Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it" (Isaiah 46:9-11).
God does not need the cooperation of men to accomplish His will.
"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:9-10).
Prayers are requests and it should be our prayer that people obey God. As Jesus said, "For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:50). Jesus did not say in his example prayer that everyone on earth would be obedient to God's will on earth. It is a prayer that more will be willing to obey God and submit to His will.
"God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us. Selah That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations on earth. Selah Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him" (Psalms 67:1-7).
The existence of the Gentiles did not mean God's kingdom Israel did not exist. The presence of non-Christians does not mean that Jesus' kingdom, the church, does not exist.
