An examination of the development of the Holy Nation, including the Royal Priesthood, should comfort and encourage us:

“For all the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
– Romans 15:4

Yes, Jehovah’s promise to Abraham will be realized. The typical representations set out in the Law will have accomplished their purpose of having led mankind to the Christ, of having explained the outworkings of Jehovah’s purposes, and of developing the Royal Priesthood who will reconcile mankind to God so that God is all things to everyone. This is the administration spoken of by Paul:

“This he caused to abound toward us in all wisdom and good sense, in that he made known to us the sacred secret of his will. It is according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself for an administration at the full limit of the appointed times, namely, to gather all things together again in the Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth.”
– Ephesians 1:8-10

“For just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive. But each one in his own rank: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who belong to the Christ during his presence. Next, the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet. As the last enemy, death is to be brought to nothing. For God ‘subjected all things under his feet.’ But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that it is with the exception of the one who subjected all things to him. But when all things have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.”
1 Corinthians 15:22-28

At that time, we will know accurately and be able to see Jehovah’s purposes “face to face.”

“For we have partial knowledge and we prophecy partially; but when that which is complete arrives, that which is partial will be done away with. When I was a babe, I used to speak as a babe, to think as a babe, to reason as a babe; but now that I have become a man, I have done away with the traits of a babe. For at present we see in a hazy outline by means of a metal mirror, but then it will be face to face. At present I know partially, but then I shall know accurately even as I am accurately known.”
– 1 Corinthians 13:9-12

In this way, the sacred secret is revealed, namely that all people of the earth could become members of Christ’s body, and joint heirs to the kingdom of the heavens. (Ephesians 3:5-6) The invitation is being offered to everyone with a purpose to reconcile EVERYONE to God. Yes, the entire Christian Congregation serves as a kingdom of priests, with a select number taken from among this Holy Nation who would serve not only as priests, but also kings! – the Royal Priesthood.

So, yes, there are presently “two classes” of mankind. But in the Christian congregation, there is only one class with one hope – the heavenly hope. We are all united in one hope, one faith, and one baptism (Ephesians 4:4-6) as the Holy Nation serving our God, Jehovah. A sacred secret indeed. But it was never hidden. Only our understanding was veiled.

We have examined the development of the Holy Nation and Royal Priesthood from the perspective of the typical arrangement. Now, let’s look at them from the perspective of the Christian writings. Do they confirm that we ALL share one hope? And is that why the number of partakers is increasing?

The next series of articles entitled “Observing The Oneness of the Faith” will answer these questions.

We welcome your questions and comments.

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