in the leadership of its invisible Lord and King, Jesus Christ, and obedience to its centuries-old commission to be witnesses in all the earth.​—Acts 1:6-8.

²¹ In this spiritually mature condition they well qualify as those “who will actually shepherd them; and they will be afraid no more, neither will they be struck with any terror, and none will be missing,” because “a king will certainly reign and act with discretion and execute justice and righteousness in the land.” Find freedom and security in their midst. Read the article that follows to learn how.

Following Faithful Shepherds with Life in View

 1. How and why must faith be proved to receive the gift of life?

JEHOVAH’S purpose to provide freedom and everlasting life on earth for obedient mankind is already well under way. It is reaching a crucial stage of development in our generation with impending destruction of this present system of things and with the beginning of Christ’s thousand-year reign of peace that will immediately follow. But none of us will receive life without putting forth some effort. Not that salvation comes by works alone. James, in writing to the first-century Christian congregation, said: “Faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself. Indeed, as the body without breath is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” (Jas. 2:17, 26) This means we must prove our faith by our course of action, by the things we do. It means that righteous requirements of the King Jesus Christ must be met.

 2. What campaign is now in progress, and to what does its effectiveness testify?

² Even now, through his visible theocratic organization on earth, Jehovah is providing a campaign of spiritual instruction that is searching out those of our generation of honest heart toward God and changing over their lives to bring them into conformity with his reign of righteousness under his King. The effectiveness of this campaign in growing numbers and spiritual advancement is an evidence that present unhappy, fearful conditions will terminate with this old system and the righteousness of Christ’s reign will cover the earth. What will your position be when that time comes?

 3. What consistent course must we follow to be complete in accepting Jehovah’s visible organization?

³ Make haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of God that represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is essential for life. Doing so, be complete in accepting its every aspect. We cannot claim to love God, yet deny his Word and channel of communication. We cannot accept