Through redemption in Christ, humanity is restored not to independent authority, but to the calling to be God’s “kingdom of priests.” Adam lost his role as the faithful steward of the earth through sin; Jesus, the Second Adam, restores to His people dignity, freedom, and service to God and to others.
In the comment on Revelation 5:10, the “status lost in Adam” means the position given by the Creator to humanity as bearers of God’s image, representatives of His rule, and responsible stewards of the created world. “Dual service” refers to the royal and priestly calling. It does not give Christians the right to rule over others, but calls them to serve, reflect God’s character, and lead people to Christ.
Adam’s original status: God’s image and responsible dominion
Adam was not a god and did not possess unlimited authority. Yet God created him in His image and entrusted him with the care of the earth. Humanity was to reflect the wise, just, and loving rule of the Creator in relation to all living things. This was delegated stewardship: the earth belongs to the Lord, and man is His steward.
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth… So God created man in His own image.” Gen. 1:26–27
Therefore, the lost status includes at least three elements: closeness with God, moral purity, and responsible dominion over the created world. Sin shattered all three. Fear replaced trust in God, alienation replaced harmony, and the destructive power of sin over humanity replaced wise stewardship. Adam, who was to subject the earth to God, himself fell into slavery to sin and death.
Christ — the Second Adam and Restorer
The New Testament contrasts Adam and Christ. Through the disobedience of the first Adam, sin entered human experience; through the perfect obedience, death, and resurrection of Christ, the way to justification and new life has been opened. Jesus does not merely forgive guilt: He restores humanity to its original purpose.
“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous.” Romans 5:19
This restoration is not yet complete in the fullest sense: the world still suffers from the consequences of sin, and believers continue in spiritual struggle. But in Christ, a person’s condition is already being changed. No longer must one remain a slave to sin. The redeemed belong to Christ, live under His grace, and prepare for the final restoration of the earth at His return.
Ellen G. White emphasized that the image of God in humanity was distorted by sin, but Christ came to restore it. This restoration is seen not in the pursuit of earthly prestige, but in the renewal of the mind, character, and life into the likeness of Jesus.
Royal service: overcoming sin and serving, not ruling over others
Revelation 5:10 speaks of the redeemed as a “kingdom and priests.” Some translations express the idea as “kings and priests,” but the meaning is the same: God’s people belong to a royal people called to serve God.
“And You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth!” Rev. 5:10
The royal calling does not mean the political rule of the church or the right to control the consciences of other people. Christ’s kingdom has a character opposite to the spirit of coercion. To reign with Christ means first of all to overcome sin through His power, faithfully manage entrusted gifts, defend what is good, and serve one’s neighbors in humility.
“But Jesus called them to Him and said: …whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” Matt. 20:25–26
In the future, this calling will have a visible dimension: after the final destruction of sin, God’s redeemed will live and reign with Him on the renewed earth. Then what our first parents lost will be fully restored.
“And there shall be no more curse. But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him… And they shall reign forever and ever!” Rev. 22:3–5
Priestly service: belonging to God and leading people to Him
A priest in the biblical sense is a person consecrated to God who represents His character before people and directs people to God. In ancient Israel, priests taught God’s law and carried out ministry that pointed to the future sacrifice of the Messiah.
After Golgotha, no human being can replace Christ as the mediator of salvation. He alone is the High Priest and the only Mediator between God and humanity. Therefore, the priestly ministry of all believers does not mean that each person becomes a savior or mediator. It means that every Christian has direct access to God through Jesus and is called to testify of His grace.
“For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim. 2:5
The apostle Peter directly applies the language of a royal priesthood to the church. The purpose of this ministry is not self-exaltation, but the proclamation of God’s virtues, light, and salvation.
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Pet 2:9
Practical application
Daily accept your restored calling in Christ. As a royal servant, do not allow sinful habits to govern your thoughts, words, and actions; ask Christ to give you victory and wisdom in the use of your time, body, resources, and influence. As a priest of God, spend time in prayer, study Scripture, show mercy, and direct people not to yourself, but to the only Savior. Through redemption, Christ restores to us not the privilege of ruling, but the joy of faithfully serving God and our neighbors today and reigning with Him in the restored world.
