In the first of this two-part study of contrasts, we see that prophecy reveals God’s earthly program for Israel—centered on a coming earthly kingdom—where Christ reigns and Israel holds a place of supremacy. The mystery, initially revealed only to the Apostle Paul, describes God’s heavenly program for the Body of Christ, a spiritual organism of believers with Christ as its Head, and Jew and Gentile equal in one body. Under prophecy, Gentiles are blessed through Israel’s rise, but under the mystery they are blessed through Israel’s fall, as God turns directly to individuals in grace.