Great is the Mystery
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1Tim 3.16
The Gospel is a mystery?
This story so easy that a child can understand it.
Can be grasped in a verse like John 3.16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Paul gives its whole description in
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
It is already known by the writing of this letter and being declared at the time of Paul letter to Colossea.
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
So in what way is this a mystery. Well consider with me the verse before us and we will break it down to its basic elements.
Incarnation: Jesus, fully divine, willingly became fully human while retaining His divinity. The Incarnation is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology, highlighting the profound union of the divine and human natures in the person of Jesus, who, as both God and man, serves as the mediator between humanity and God.
Justification: Why did Jesus need to be Justified. Yes, but this is not Salvation: Jesus did not need to be saved. The term Justified means verified, validated. This is a legal term. In the court room you must provide evidence to prove that you are in fact innocent of any charge against you. The Holy Spirit validated the work of Jesus Christ. He claimed to be God, The Holy Spirit Justified the claim. He claimed the power to rise again the Spirit justified Him.
Corraboration: The presence of the Angels is a reminder that at the giving of the Holy Law of Moses Angels were there to demonstrate for the Jews that Moses message was from God.
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
And he said, The Lord came from Sinai,
And rose up from Seir unto them;
He shined forth from mount Paran,
And he came with ten thousands of saints:
From his right hand went a fiery law for them.
Expansion: It was Christ’s call to expand the kingdom to include the whole world. By the time of this writing the Gospel has spread to the Gentiles. Churches are being established majoring on the Gentiles.
And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
Sanctification: The World had started to receive Salvation. And to this point is still spreading around the World. Gratefully it is not the cultural salvation that so many americans are guilty of. But a real salvation that releases the soul from its sin filled weariness.
Ascension: Mark 16.19
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Taking his rightful place Jesus is seated at the right hand of his father.
Do you see how great it is:
Great in its Reach
Great in its Depth
Great in its Personality
The comparison between the gospel (referring to the Christian message of salvation) and a mystery can be drawn by highlighting certain shared characteristics:
1. Revelation over Time
- Mystery: Similarly, a mystery often reveals itself gradually, with pieces of information being disclosed progressively until the full picture becomes clear.
- Gospel: The Christian gospel unfolds gradually in the Bible, from the promises in the Old Testament to the fulfillment in the New Testament through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
2. Hidden Truths
- Mystery: Mysteries involve hidden elements or unknown details that gradually become apparent, challenging individuals to uncover and comprehend them.
- Gospel: The gospel contains profound truths about God's love, redemption, and the nature of humanity that were not fully understood until Jesus' arrival.
3. Transformational Power
- Mystery: Mysteries often have the power to transform a narrative or perspective, revealing truths that alter the way individuals perceive a situation.
- Gospel: The core of the gospel lies in its transformative power, offering salvation and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
4. Invitation to Discover
- Mystery: Similarly, a mystery invites individuals to engage in the process of discovery, encouraging them to piece together clues and reach a deeper understanding.
- Gospel: The gospel is an invitation for people to seek and discover the truth of God's love and salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
5. Unveiling the Unknown
- Mystery: In a mystery, there is a sense of satisfaction when the unknown is revealed, and the pieces of the puzzle come together to form a coherent narrative.
- Gospel: The gospel unveils the unknown aspects of God's plan for humanity, providing clarity on the purpose of life and the path to reconciliation with God.
6. Eternal Significance
- Mystery: Some mysteries may have profound implications, affecting the characters involved or reshaping the narrative in ways that extend beyond the immediate storyline.
- Gospel: The gospel carries eternal significance, addressing the spiritual condition of individuals and their destiny beyond the temporal realm.
While the gospel and a mystery may differ in their nature and purpose, these similarities highlight the intriguing and transformative elements that both share. The journey of discovery, revelation, and the unveiling of truths is a common thread that weaves through both the gospel message and mystery narratives.
You and I are impacted by this great Gospel. Listen to an unsaved man named Cameron Hanes in his book “Endure” tells the story of a friend named Roy. Roy is one of those believers that lived the Gospel. And in so doing impacted his friends:
What really struck me from the service is how much Roy impacted those around him. I've gotten so used to hearing packaged sermons and haphazardly sprinkled Bible verses, but Roy was the gospel for the people in his path. The way he lived his life and chose to love those around him, including you, was an example for everyone who knew him of what a life in communion with God looks like. - Cameron Hanes
Consider the role we play in this incredible Gospel...
We Receive it.
We Live it.
We Represent it.
It is in this way that we are the Pillar and Ground of truth.