The study article of the Watchtower for 1st April 2012 p. 29 par. 13 says, "Addressing anointed Christians, Peter wrote: "You are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies’ of the one that called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Pet. 2:9) The word 'are' is highlighted in the article, to back up the assertion in the next paragraph that anointed ones still on earth are priests already, while still in their imperfect flesh! The Society applies different interpretations to 1 Pet. 2:9 & Isaiah; Awake 044/22p.11WhereCanYouFindRealHope? "His prophetic promises are so reliable that they are sometimes recorded as if they were already fulfilled at the time they were made." ip-2chap.14p.201par.17JehovahExaltsHisMessianicServant "Certain that his words will come true, Isaiah writes in the past tense, as if they had already been fulfilled."
The following Scriptures give a clearer understanding to 1 Peter 2:9; Rev. 1:6 - "and he made us to be a kingdom, priests to his God and Father" (future tense) Rev. 20:6 - "Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years." (again, future tense - after their resurrection)
It is clear that qualification to be a priest is granted only if they have a part in the first resurrection. To claim such a position and title for oneself while still an imperfect, sinful "good-for-nothing slave",is nothing short of presumptuousness in the extreme! (Luke 17:10) Those who are putting themselves on a pedestal to be admired (reverentially by some) are rebellious in their attitude, by opposing God's Spirit inspired words spoken by Christ and Peter. (Matt. 2:25-27; 1 Pet. 5:3) In paragraphs 15 & 16 of the same study article, extremely devious wording is used, backed up by the equally corrupt question which asks innocently, "What benefits will the royal priesthood bring to mankind?". ('Lets give all the credit for our paradise, everlasting life, waters of life etc. to all those who have been 'bought from the earth') That is what is being implied by the wording used. Have your answer ready for the Study Overseer; 'The Apostle Paul wrote, "For no matter how many the promises of God are, they have become Yes by means of him ". (Rom. 1:20) Clearly, Jesus provides all these benefits - the heavenly priesthood simply help to administer them'.