How Much Do You Love God’s Word?

“How I do love your law! All day long it is my concern.”​—PSALM 119:97.

1. What is one way in which God-fearing individuals demonstrate their love for God’s Word?

HUNDREDS of millions of men and women own a copy of the Bible. But there is a difference between owning a Bible and loving God’s Word. Can a person rightly claim to love God’s Word if he seldom reads it? Of course not! In contrast, some who once had little regard for the Bible now read it every day. They have learned to love God’s Word, and like the psalmist, they now make God’s Word their concern “all day long.”​—Psalm 119:97.

2. How was the faith of one of Jehovah’s Witnesses sustained under difficult conditions?

² One who learned to love God’s Word is Nasho Dori. Along with fellow believers, he endured for many decades, serving Jehovah in his native Albania. During much of that time, Jehovah’s Witnesses were banned, and these faithful Christians received little Bible literature. Yet, Brother Dori’s faith remained strong. How so? “My goal,” he said, was “to read the Bible for at least an hour each day, which I did for some 60 years before my eyesight failed.” Until recently, the entire Bible was not available in Albanian, but Brother Dori had learned Greek as a child, so he read the Bible in that language. Regular Bible reading sustained Brother Dori through various trials, and it can sustain us as well.

“Form a Longing” for God’s Word

3. What attitude should Christians cultivate toward God’s Word?

³ “As newborn infants,” wrote the apostle Peter, “form a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word.” (1 Peter 2:2) Just as a baby craves its mother’s milk, Christians who are conscious of their spiritual need find exquisite delight in reading God’s Word. Is that how you feel? If not, do not despair. You too can cultivate a longing for God’s Word.

4. What is involved in making Bible reading a daily habit?

⁴ In order to do so, first discipline yourself to make Bible reading a regular habit, a daily one if possible. (Acts 17:11) You may not be able to spend an hour each day in Bible reading as Nasho Dori did, but quite likely you can set aside some time each day to consider God’s Word. Many Christians rise a few minutes early in order to meditate on a Bible passage. What better way could there be to start the day? Others prefer to end the day by reading the Bible just before retiring. Still others read the Bible at some other convenient time. The important thing is to read the Bible regularly. Then, take a few moments to meditate on what you have read. Let us consider some examples of individuals who benefited from reading and meditating on God’s Word.

A Psalmist Who Loved God’s Law

5, 6. Although we may not know his name, what can we learn about the writer of the 119th Psalm 119 by reading and meditating on what he wrote?

⁵ The writer of the 119th Psalm 119 certainly had deep appreciation for God’s Word. Who wrote that psalm? The writer is not identified in the Bible. From the context, however, we learn some details about him, and we know that his life was not problem free. Some of his acquaintances who were supposed to be worshipers of Jehovah did not share his love for Bible principles. Nevertheless, the psalmist did not allow their attitude to prevent him from doing what was right. (Psalm 119:23) If you live or work with someone who does not respect Bible standards, you may see similarities between the psalmist’s situation and your own.

⁶ Although a godly man, the psalmist was by no means self-righteous. He frankly acknowledged his own imperfections. (Psalm 119:5, 6, 67) However, he did not allow sin to control him. “How will a young man cleanse his path?” he asked. His answer: “By keeping on guard according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9) Then, underscoring what a powerful force for good God’s Word is, the psalmist added: “In my heart I have treasured up your saying, in order that I may not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11) A force that can help us avoid sinning against God is powerful indeed!

7. Why should young people especially be conscious of the need to read the Bible daily?

⁷ Christian youths do well to consider the psalmist’s words. Young Christians are under attack today. The Devil would dearly love to corrupt the rising generation of Jehovah’s worshipers. Satan’s goal is to entice young Christians to give in to fleshly desires and break God’s laws. Movies and television programs often reflect the Devil’s thinking. The stars of such programs seem attractive and likable; immoral relations between them are portrayed as normal. The message? ‘It is all right for unmarried people to have sexual relations as long as they truly love each other.’ Sadly, each year a number of young Christians fall prey to such reasoning. Some experience shipwreck of their faith. So the pressure is on! But is the pressure so intense that it is impossible for you young people to cope? By no means! Jehovah has provided a way for young Christians to overcome unwholesome desires. They can resist any weapon the Devil can devise by ‘keeping on guard according to God’s Word, treasuring up God’s sayings in their heart.’ How much time do you spend in regular personal Bible reading and meditation?

8. How can the examples outlined in this paragraph help you to grow in appreciation for the Mosaic Law?

⁸ The writer of the 119th Psalm 119 exclaimed: “How I do love your law!” (Psalm 119:97) To which law was he referring? To Jehovah’s revealed word, including the Mosaic Law code. At first glance some might dismiss the Law code as outdated and wonder how anyone could love it. However, as we meditate on the various features of the Mosaic Law, as did the psalmist, we can appreciate the wisdom behind that Law. Aside from the many prophetic aspects of the Law, there are its sanitary and dietary stipulations, which promoted cleanness and good health. (Leviticus 7:23, 24, 26; 11:2-8) The Law encouraged honesty in business practices and exhorted the Israelites to show empathy to fellow worshipers in need. (Exodus 22:26, 27; 23:6; Leviticus 19:35, 36; Deuteronomy 24:17-21) Judicial decisions were to be made with impartiality. (Deuteronomy 16:19; 19:15) As the writer of Psalm 119 gained experience in life, he no doubt saw how well things turned out for those who applied God’s Law, and his fondness for it grew stronger. Similarly today, as Christians have success in applying Bible principles, their love and appreciation for God’s Word intensifies.

A Prince Who Dared to Be Different

9. What attitude did King Hezekiah cultivate toward God’s Word?

⁹ The contents of the 119th Psalm 119 harmonize well with what we know of Hezekiah when he was still a young prince. Some Bible scholars suggest that Hezekiah was the writer of the psalm. While this is not certain, we do know that Hezekiah had great respect for God’s Word. By his life course, he showed that he was in heart harmony with the words at Psalm 119:97. Of Hezekiah, the Bible states: “He kept sticking to Jehovah. He did not turn aside from following him, but he continued keeping his commandments that Jehovah had commanded Moses.”​—2 Kings 18:6.

10. Of what encouragement is Hezekiah’s example to Christians who have not been raised by godly parents?

¹⁰ By all accounts, Hezekiah did not grow up in a godly family. His father, King Ahaz, was a faithless idolater who had at least one of his sons​—Hezekiah’s own brother—​burned alive as a sacrifice to a false god! (2 Kings 16:3) Despite this bad example, Hezekiah was able to “cleanse his path” of pagan influences by getting acquainted with God’s Word.​—2 Chronicles 29:2.

11. As Hezekiah watched, how did matters turn out for his unfaithful father?

¹¹ As Hezekiah grew up, he saw firsthand how his idolatrous father handled affairs of State. Judah was surrounded by enemies. There was Rezin, the king of Syria, who joined with King Pekah of Israel in besieging Jerusalem. (2 Kings 16:5, 6) There were the Edomites and the Philistines, who made successful forays into Judah and even captured some Judean cities. (2 Chronicles 28:16-19) How did Ahaz deal with these crises? Instead of appealing to Jehovah for help against Syria, Ahaz turned to the king of Assyria, bribing him with gold and silver, including that from the temple treasury. But this did not bring lasting peace to Judah.​—2 Kings 16:6, 8.

12. By doing what could Hezekiah avoid repeating the mistakes of his father?

¹² Eventually, Ahaz died and Hezekiah became king at 25 years of age. (2 Chronicles 29:1) He was relatively young, but that did not prevent him from becoming a successful king. Rather than imitate the conduct of his unfaithful father, he stuck to Jehovah’s Law. This included a special commandment for kings: “When [the king] takes his seat on the throne of his kingdom, he must write in a book for himself a copy of this law from that which is in the charge of the priests, the Levites. And it must continue with him, and he must read in it all the days of his life, in order that he may learn to fear Jehovah his God so as to keep all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 17:18, 19) By reading God’s Word daily, Hezekiah would learn to fear Jehovah and avoid repeating the mistakes of his ungodly father.

13. How can a Christian be sure that in a spiritual sense, everything he does will succeed?

¹³ Not only were the kings of Israel encouraged to give constant thought to God’s Word but all God-fearing Israelites were to do so. The first Psalm describes a truly happy man as one whose “delight is in the law of Jehovah, and in his law he reads in an undertone day and night.” (Psalm 1:1, 2) Of such a man, the psalmist says: “Everything he does will succeed.” (Psalm 1:3) In contrast, of the one lacking faith in Jehovah God, the Bible says: “He is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.” (James 1:8) All of us want to be happy and successful. Regular, meaningful Bible reading can contribute to our happiness.

God’s Word Sustained Jesus

14. How did Jesus show love for God’s Word?

¹⁴ On one occasion, Jesus’ parents found him sitting in the midst of the teachers at the temple in Jerusalem. How these experts in God’s Law “were in constant amazement at his understanding and his answers”! (Luke 2:46, 47) That was when Jesus was 12 years old. Yes, even at a young age, he clearly had a fondness for God’s Word. Later, Jesus used the Scriptures to rebuke the Devil, saying: “Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.” (Matthew 4:3-10) Soon after that, Jesus preached to the inhabitants of his hometown of Nazareth, using the Scriptures.​—Luke 4:16-21.

15. How did Jesus set an example when preaching to others?

¹⁵ Jesus frequently quoted from God’s Word to support his teachings. His listeners “were astounded at his way of teaching.” (Matthew 7:28) And no wonder​—Jesus’ teachings came from Jehovah God himself! Jesus said: “What I teach is not mine, but belongs to him that sent me. He that speaks of his own originality is seeking his own glory; but he that seeks the glory of him that sent him, this one is true, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”​—John 7:16, 18.

16. To what extent did Jesus demonstrate his love for God’s Word?

¹⁶ Unlike the writer of Psalm 119, there was “no unrighteousness” in Jesus. He was sinless, the Son of God, who “humbled himself and became obedient as far as death.” (Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 7:26) Yet, perfect as he was, Jesus studied and obeyed God’s Law. This was a key factor in his ability to maintain his integrity. When Peter used a sword to try to prevent his Master from being arrested, Jesus rebuked the apostle and asked: “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father to supply me at this moment more than twelve legions of angels? In that case, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must take place this way?” (Matthew 26:53, 54) Yes, the fulfillment of the Scriptures meant more to Jesus than escaping a cruel and humiliating death. What outstanding love for God’s Word!

Other Imitators of Christ

17. How important was God’s Word to the apostle Paul?

¹⁷ The apostle Paul wrote to fellow Christians: “Become imitators of me, even as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) Like his Master, Paul developed a fondness for the Scriptures. He confessed: “In my inmost self I dearly love God’s Law.” (Romans 7:22, The Jerusalem Bible) Paul quoted God’s Word frequently. (Acts 13:32-41; 17:2, 3; 28:23) When he gave his final instructions to Timothy, a beloved fellow minister, Paul emphasized the important part that God’s Word should play in the daily life of every “man of God.”​—2 Timothy 3:15-17.

18. Cite an example of one who, in modern times, showed respect for God’s Word.

¹⁸ Many faithful servants of Jehovah in modern times have likewise imitated Jesus’ love for God’s Word. Early in this century, a young man received a Bible from a friend. He described the effect of this precious gift on him: “I determined to make it a must in my life to read a portion of the Bible each and every day.” That young man was Frederick Franz, and his love of the Bible led to his enjoying a long and successful life in Jehovah’s service. He is fondly remembered for his ability to quote entire chapters of the Bible from memory.

19. How do some schedule the weekly Bible reading for the Theocratic Ministry School?

¹⁹ Jehovah’s Witnesses place great emphasis on regular Bible reading. Each week, in preparation for one of their Christian meetings, the Theocratic Ministry School, they read several chapters of the Bible. Highlights of the assigned Bible reading are discussed during the meeting. Some Witnesses find it convenient to divide the week’s Bible reading into seven smaller sections and read one section each day. As they read, they reflect on the material. When possible, they do additional research with the help of Bible-based publications.

20. What is needed in order to make time for regular Bible reading?

²⁰ You may need to ‘buy out the time’ from other activities in order to read the Bible regularly. (Ephesians 5:16) However, the benefits will far outweigh any sacrifices. As you develop the habit of daily Bible reading, your love for God’s Word will grow. Before long, you will be moved to say with the psalmist: “How I do love your law! All day long it is my concern.” (Psalm 119:97) Such an attitude will bring great benefits now and in the future, as the next article will show.

Benefits From Loving God’s Word

“Love [wisdom], and it will safeguard you. . . . It will glorify you because you embrace it.”​—PROVERBS 4:6, 8.

1. What does truly loving God’s Word involve?

READING the Bible is essential for a Christian. However, merely reading it does not in itself demonstrate a love of God’s Word. What if someone reads the Bible but then practices things that the Bible condemns? Obviously, he does not love God’s Word in the way that the writer of Psalm 119 loved it. Loving God’s Word led him to live in harmony with its requirements.​—Psalm 119:97, 101, 105.

2. What benefits come from wisdom based on God’s Word?

² Living in harmony with God’s Word requires constant adjustment of one’s thinking and way of living. Such a course reflects godly wisdom, which means to make practical application of knowledge and understanding gained from studying the Bible. “Love [wisdom], and it will safeguard you. Highly esteem it, and it will exalt you. It will glorify you because you embrace it. To your head it will give a wreath of charm; a crown of beauty it will bestow upon you.” (Proverbs 4:6, 8, 9) What fine encouragement to develop a love of God’s Word and be guided by it! Who does not want to be safeguarded, exalted, and glorified?

Safeguarded From Lasting Harm

3. More than ever, why do Christians need to be safeguarded, and from whom?

³ In what way is one safeguarded by wisdom gained from studying and applying God’s Word? For one thing, he is safeguarded from Satan the Devil. Jesus taught his followers to pray for deliverance from the wicked one, Satan. (Matthew 6:13) Today, the need to include this request in our prayers is truly urgent. Satan and his demons were cast out of heaven following 1914, and consequently Satan has “great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.” (Revelation 12:9, 10, 12) At this late date, his anger must be white-hot as he unsuccessfully wages war against those “who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.”​—Revelation 12:17.

4. How are Christians safeguarded from satanic pressures and snares?

⁴ Satan in his wrath continues to stir up trouble for these Christian ministers and to foment violent persecution or cause other obstacles to their activity. He also wants to lure Kingdom proclaimers into focusing on such things as worldly prominence, the love of ease, the acquiring of material possessions, and the pursuit of pleasure, rather than on the Kingdom-preaching work. What safeguards God’s faithful servants from surrendering to Satan’s pressure or being entrapped by his snares? Of course, prayer, a close personal relationship with Jehovah, and faith in the certainty of his promises are vital. But all these are linked to a knowledge of and a determination to heed the reminders of God’s Word. These reminders come through reading the Bible and Bible study aids, attending Christian meetings, heeding Scriptural counsel from a fellow believer, or simply by prayerfully meditating on Bible principles that God’s spirit recalls to the mind.​—Isaiah 30:21; John 14:26; 1 John 2:15-17.

5. In what ways does wisdom based on God’s Word safeguard us?

⁵ Those who love God’s Word are safeguarded in other ways. For example, they avoid the emotional distress and physical diseases that result from such things as drug abuse, the use of tobacco, and sexual immorality. (1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Corinthians 7:1) They do not contribute to strained relationships by gossip or unkind speech. (Ephesians 4:31) Neither do they fall victim to doubt by delving into the deceptive philosophies of the wisdom of the world. (1 Corinthians 3:19) By loving God’s Word, they are safeguarded from things that could rob them of their relationship with God and the hope of everlasting life. They keep busy helping their neighbors to put faith in the wonderful promises contained in the Bible, knowing that they will thus ‘save both themselves and those who listen to them.’​—1 Timothy 4:16.

6. How can wisdom based on God’s Word safeguard us even under difficult circumstances?

⁶ True, everyone​—even those who love God’s Word—​is subject to “time and unforeseen occurrence.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11) It is inevitable that some among us will experience natural disasters, serious sicknesses, accidents, or untimely death. Still, we are safeguarded. No calamity can bring permanent harm to a person who truly loves God’s Word. Hence, we should not be overly concerned about what might happen in the future. After we take all reasonable precautions, it is better to leave matters in Jehovah’s hands and not allow today’s insecurity of life to rob us of peace. (Matthew 6:33, 34; Philippians 4:6, 7) Bear in mind the certainty of the resurrection hope and of a better life when God ‘makes all things new.’​—Revelation 21:5; John 11:25.

Prove Yourself to Be “Good Soil”

7. What illustration did Jesus tell to the crowds that came to hear him?

⁷ The importance of having a right view of God’s Word was highlighted in one of Jesus’ parables. As Jesus proclaimed the good news throughout Palestine, crowds gathered to hear him. (Luke 8:1, 4) Not all, however, really loved God’s Word. No doubt, many came to hear him because they wanted to see miracles or because they enjoyed his marvelous way of teaching. Hence, Jesus told the crowds an illustration: “A sower went out to sow his seed. Well, as he was sowing, some of it fell alongside the road and was trampled down, and the birds of heaven ate it up. Some other landed upon the rock-mass, and, after sprouting, it dried up because of not having moisture. Some other fell among the thorns, and the thorns that grew up with it choked it off. Some other fell upon the good soil, and, after sprouting, it produced fruit a hundredfold.”​—Luke 8:5-8.

8. In Jesus’ illustration, what is the seed?

⁸ Jesus’ parable showed that there would be different responses to the preaching of the good news, depending on the heart condition of the hearer. The seed being sown is “the word of God.” (Luke 8:11) Or, as another record of the parable says, the seed is “the word of the kingdom.” (Matthew 13:19) Jesus could use either expression, since the theme of God’s Word is the heavenly Kingdom under Jesus Christ as King by means of which Jehovah will vindicate his sovereignty and sanctify his name. (Matthew 6:9, 10) In effect, then, the seed is the message of the good news in God’s Word, the Bible. Jehovah’s Witnesses highlight this Kingdom message as they sow seed in imitation of the original Sower, Jesus Christ. What response do they find?

9. What is pictured by the seed that falls (a) by the roadside? (b) on the rock-mass? (c) on thorny ground?

⁹ Jesus said that some seed falls by the roadside and is trodden down. This refers to people who are too preoccupied for the Kingdom seed to take root in their hearts. Before they can develop a love of God’s Word, “the Devil comes and takes the word away from their hearts in order that they may not believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:12) Some seed falls on a rock-mass. This refers to people who are attracted to the Bible’s message but do not let it affect their hearts. When opposition comes or when they find it hard to apply Bible counsel, “they fall away” because they have no root. (Luke 8:13) Then there are those who hear the word but are overwhelmed by the “anxieties and riches and pleasures of this life.” Eventually, like plants entangled by thorns, “they are completely choked.”​—Luke 8:14.

10, 11. (a) Who are pictured by the good soil? (b) What must we do to “retain” God’s Word in our hearts?

¹⁰ Finally, there is the seed that falls on good soil. This points to people who receive the message with “a fine and good heart.” Naturally, each of us would like to believe that he falls into this category. In the final analysis, though, it is God’s view that counts. (Proverbs 17:3; 1 Corinthians 4:4, 5) His Word says that our having “a fine and good heart” is something that we prove by our actions from now until our death or until God brings an end to this wicked system of things. If our initial response to the Kingdom message is positive, that is fine. However, those with a fine and good heart accept God’s Word and “retain it and bear fruit with endurance.”​—Luke 8:15.

¹¹ The only sure way to retain God’s Word in our heart is to read and study it both privately and in association with fellow believers. This includes taking full advantage of the spiritual food provided through the channel appointed to care for the spiritual interests of Jesus’ true followers. (Matthew 24:45-47) By such means, those who retain God’s Word in their hearts are motivated by love to “bear fruit with endurance.”

12. What is the fruit we must bear with endurance?

¹² What fruit is born by the fine soil? In the natural world, seeds grow into plants that bear fruit containing the same kind of seed, which can then be scattered to bear further fruit. Similarly, for those with a fine and good heart, the seed of the word grows in them, causing them to progress spiritually until they, in their turn, can sow the seed in the hearts of others. (Matthew 28:19, 20) And their work of sowing is marked by endurance. Jesus showed the importance of endurance in sowing when he said: “He that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.”​—Matthew 24:13, 14.

“Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work”

13. What prayer did Paul utter that linked fruitage with knowledge of God’s Word?

¹³ The apostle Paul too spoke of the need to bear fruit, and he linked bearing fruit with God’s Word. He prayed that his fellow believers “be filled with the accurate knowledge of [God’s] will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit in every good work.”​—Colossians 1:9, 10; Philippians 1:9-11.

14-16. In harmony with Paul’s prayer, what fruitage is produced by those who love God’s Word?

¹⁴ Paul thus shows that gaining Bible knowledge is not an end in itself. Rather, love for God’s Word motivates us to “walk worthily of Jehovah” by continuing to ‘bear fruit in every good work.’ What good work? Preaching the good news of the Kingdom is the outstanding assignment for Christians in these last days. (Mark 13:10) In addition, those who love God’s Word do their best to give regular financial support to this work. They delight in this privilege, knowing that “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Their contributions go toward defraying the cost of operating the more than one hundred Bethel facilities from which the activity of Kingdom preaching is directed and in some of which Bibles and Bible literature are produced. Their contributions also help to defray the costs of large Christian conventions and of sending out traveling overseers, missionaries, and other full-time evangelizers.

¹⁵ Other good works involve the constructing of and caring for centers of true worship. Love for God’s Word motivates his worshipers to ensure that Assembly Halls and Kingdom Halls do not fall into neglect. (Compare Nehemiah 10:39.) Since God’s name appears on the front of such buildings, it is vital that inside and outside they be kept clean and attractive and that the conduct of those who worship inside such halls be above reproach. (2 Corinthians 6:3) Some Christians are able to do more. Love for God’s Word moves them to travel long distances in order to share in building new places of worship in parts of the world where there is a need because of poverty or a lack of skills.​—2 Corinthians 8:14.

¹⁶ “Bearing fruit in every good work” also includes caring for family obligations and showing concern for fellow Christians. Love for God’s Word motivates us to be sensitive to the needs of those “related to us in the faith” and “to practice godly devotion in [our] own household.” (Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 5:4, 8) In this regard, it is a good work to visit the sick and comfort the mourning ones. And what fine work is accomplished by congregation elders and Hospital Liaison Committees in assisting individuals who face challenging medical situations! (Acts 15:29) Then there are a growing number of disasters​—some of them natural and others caused by human folly. With the help of God’s spirit, Jehovah’s Witnesses have built up a fine record in many parts of the earth of providing quick relief to fellow believers and other victims of disasters and accidents. All of these are good fruits manifested by those who love God’s Word.

Glorious Future Benefits

17, 18. (a) What is being accomplished by the sowing of Kingdom seed? (b) What earthshaking events will lovers of God’s Word soon witness?

¹⁷ The sowing of Kingdom seed continues to bring great benefits to mankind. In recent years more than 300,000 persons each year have allowed the Bible’s message to take root in their hearts to the extent that they have dedicated their lives to Jehovah and symbolized this by means of water baptism. What a glorious future awaits them!

¹⁸ Soon, lovers of God’s Word know that Jehovah God will rise up to magnify his name. “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion, will be destroyed. (Revelation 18:2, 8) Then, those who refuse to live in harmony with God’s Word will be put to death by the King, Jesus Christ. (Psalm 2:9-11; Daniel 2:44) Afterward, God’s Kingdom will bring permanent relief from crime, war, and other disasters. There will no longer be a need to comfort people because of pain, sickness, and death.​—Revelation 21:3, 4.

19, 20. What glorious future is in store for those who truly love God’s Word?

¹⁹ What glorious good works will then be accomplished by those who love God’s Word! Armageddon survivors will start with the joyful task of transforming this earth into a paradise. They will have the thrilling privilege of preparing for the needs of dead humans who are now resting in the grave and held in God’s memory with the prospect of sharing in the resurrection of the dead. (John 5:28, 29) During that time, perfect direction will flow to earth’s inhabitants from the Sovereign Lord, Jehovah, through his exalted Son, Jesus Christ. ‘Scrolls will be opened,’ revealing Jehovah’s instructions for new world living.​—Revelation 20:12.

²⁰ In Jehovah’s due time, the complete body of faithful anointed Christians will be raised to their heavenly reward as “joint heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:17) During the Thousand Year Reign of Christ, all humans on earth who love God’s Word will be uplifted to perfection of mind and body. After proving faithful under a final test, they will be rewarded with everlasting life and will come to enjoy “the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Romans 8:21; Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10) What a wonderful time that will be! Truly, whether Jehovah has granted us a heavenly or an earthly hope, an enduring love of his Word and a determination to live according to godly wisdom will safeguard us. And in the future it ‘will glorify us because we embrace it.’​—Proverbs 4:6, 8.