IX. Peace among the nations

The Kingdom is not established to subject other peoples to human ambition. Isaiah 2:2–4 points to God's instruction, His judgment and the end of war. The nations are not called upon to erase one another's existence, but to learn God's ways. Jesus makes clear in Luke 10:25–37 that the one who shows mercy becomes a neighbour: the Samaritan helps an injured man, while the religious passers-by continue on their way. Love for one's neighbour is therefore not confined to one's own community. Matthew 5:43–48 5:43 Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy: 5:44 but I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; 5:45 that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.

5:46 For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the Gentiles the same? 5:48 Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Luke 10:25–37 10:25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 10:26 And he said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. 10:28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 10:29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? 10:30 Jesus made answer and said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 10:31 And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 10:32 And in like manner a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion, 10:34 and came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 10:35 And on the morrow he took out two shillings, and gave them to the host, and said, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, I, when I come back again, will repay thee. 10:36 Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers? 10:37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. This Manifesto seeks to serve that purpose by setting out the promises and commandments as faithfully as possible. It cannot fulfil God's promise by its own power. The outcome rests with Him. Even if people reject this Manifesto, God's word remains the standard, and His will is decisive.

The human responsibility is to act justly, respect the rights of others, refrain from arbitrarily merging the distinct revelations, and seek peace without condoning injustice.

Peace here is not merely the absence of conflict. Isaiah speaks of people who wish to learn God's ways and have their disputes settled by His judgment. Justice, therefore, is not an ornament added after peace has been established; it is part of its very foundation.

Human beings cannot bring about that future on their own authority. This Manifesto can make the promises and conditions known. Whether it is accepted, and how God's promise is fulfilled, ultimately rests in His hands.