These are the ones designated by the prophet Joel as the servants
and handmaidens of God; and in the gospel age God pours out his spirit
upon them; which means to give them his spirit. But in God's due time he
will pour out his spirit upon all mankind, so that all can understand
his wonderful plan.--Joel 2:28,29.
[321]The hiding of this mystery was illustrated by Jehovah in the
construction of the tabernacle in the wilderness and its furnishings.
The inside walls of the tabernacle were covered with pure gold. Inside
the Holy were the golden candlestick, the table covered with gold for
the showbread, and the golden altar; and in the Most Holy, was the ark
of the covenant. The tabernacle inside, therefore, was beautiful, but it
was hidden from the people on the outside because it was covered with
three heavy layers of cloth and skins. The priest ministered inside the
tabernacle, and therefore was unseen by the people. As God thus hid
these things which were typical of greater things, so he has hidden the
glories and beauties of spiritual things, seen only by those who have
come into relationship with him through Christ.
[322]The gospel age is the antitypical day of atonement. With the Jews
there was one day each year called the day of atonement. In that day the
priest alone was in the Holy and the Most Holy; and even so on the
antitypical day of atonement no one is in the Holy condition except
those who are in relationship with Christ, the great high priest.
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