waste cities, and inhabit them.” (Amos 9:11-15, AS) Not only did this prophecy have a literal fulfillment, but it was destined for further fulfillment on a grander and larger scale. The next article will discuss further fulfillment of this prophecy.

Restoration of True Religion Today

 1. Why do we know that the prophecy at Amos 9:11-15 began its fulfillment in the days of the apostles?

THE prophecy recorded at Amos 9:11-15 began to be fulfilled by the work of Christ Jesus and his apostles at the first presence. We know this is so because this prophecy was quoted by James at a special meeting held in Jerusalem at the time there was so much discussion concerning the circumcision of Gentiles who turned to the true religion. Peter first testified that “God made the choice among you that through my mouth people of the nations should hear the word of the good news and believe; . . . And he made no distinction at all between us and them, but purified their hearts by faith.” Barnabas and Paul related the many signs and wonders that God did through them among the nations. After they quit speaking James answered, saying, “Brothers, hear me. Symeon [Peter] has related thoroughly how God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name. And with this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written, ‘After these things I shall return and rebuild the royal palace of David that has fallen down, and I shall rebuild its ruins and erect it again, in order that those who remain of the men may earnestly seek Jehovah, together with people of all the nations, people who are called by my name, says Jehovah, who is doing these things which he has known from of old.’”—Acts 15:7-18, NW.

 2, 3. Explain why Jehovah’s purpose to build up the Royal Palace did not fail.

² No great building program to erect a palace of stone was commenced at that time, but what did happen was that the promised restoration of the royal line of Judah became a fact, even though but a few at that time received the King and the nation as a whole was cast off because of unbelief. Jesus said: “Look! your house is abandoned to you. For I say to you, You will by no means see me from henceforth until you say, ‘Blessed is he that comes in Jehovah’s name!’” (Matt. 23:38, 39, NW) As a nation they never did so. However, Jehovah’s purpose did not fail, for he turned to the nations to call from them the required number for the Royal Palace. Though Jehovah had a perpetual breach with the natural house of Israel, yet the breach was healed toward those who make up the spiritual royal house by Jesus Christ, the great healer of the breach and restorer of true religion.

³ Jesus Christ was the “foundation stone” of Zion. He was the Kingdom Heir and the sanctuary’s “foundation cornerstone.” He said to the Jews: “Break down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” “Therefore the Jews said: ‘This temple was built in forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was talking about the temple of his body.” (John 2:18-21,