Our close relationship with our loving heavenly Father, our strong faith like that of Abraham, and our obedience to God’s commands allow us to be declared righteous and to be viewed by Jehovah as his friends.

This brings us in line to benefit from Kingdom rule.

Indeed, the very first prophecy recorded in God’s Word, at Genesis 3:15, lays the basis for the resurrection hope and friendship with God.

It foretells not only the crushing of Satan’s head but also, by contrast, the bruising in the heel of the Seed of God’s woman. Jesus’ death on the stake was a figurative bruising in the heel.

His resurrection on the third day healed that wound and paved the way for decisive action against “the one having the means to cause death, that is, the Devil.”—Hebrews 2:14.

Paul reminds us that “God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Appreciation for this undeserved kindness truly brings us closer to Jesus and to our loving heavenly Father.—2 Corinthians 5:14, 15.

What do you believe and why?