A Mystery
Ephesians 3:3-4 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
The word ‘mystery’ is used over 20 times in the New Testament, many times by the Apostle Paul. It is used in many different contexts, many times in the relations of Jews and Gentiles, but mainly on Christ and God’s grace that extends through Him. Many could not understand the principle of grace; of receiving a free gift from God they did not deserve or work for. That was a root of pride that still tugs people away today thinking they may have to earn God’s graces.
What is is about a ‘mystery’ that draws us? It is the unknown, the lack of understanding, the desire to understand from within. God has wired us that way and from that wiring we can either use the draw of that mystery to blaspheme or draw in to Him. We will never understand for our minds are too simple to grasp the things of God. Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. To try to explain away what we cannot understand can become blasphemous against God. The strengthening of our faith in the lack of understanding is what is found in continually seeking the things of God. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory. In study concerning Christ; I came upon this from Matthew Henry as a great summary to the mystery surrounding Him. “First, He who was manifest in flesh was God, really and truly God, God by nature, and not only so by office, for this makes it to be a mystery. Secondly, God was manifest in flesh, real flesh. Forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same, Heb. 2:14 . And, what is more amazing, he was manifest in the flesh after all flesh had corrupted his way, though he himself was holy from the womb. Thirdly, Godliness is a mystery in all its parts and branches, from the beginning to the end, from Christ’s incarnation to his ascension. Fourthly, It being a great mystery, we should rather humbly adore it, and piously believe it, than curiously pry into it, or be too positive in our explications of it and determinations about it, further than the holy scriptures have revealed it to us.” Let the mystery draw you near, strengthen your faith, and to praise a Holy God who blessed you with the mystery of His work through His Son.
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