The word “mystery” is used in the New Testament twenty-two times, seventeen times in St. Paul’s letters alone. Each time it is explained, especially in St. Paul’s writings, so is a mystery really something that we can’t understand? One of the definitions of the word is “information known only to the initiated.” It’s like the secret password or knock, unknown to outsiders.
We, the born-again children of God in Christ Jesus, are the insiders! Every mystery can be known by us. In Mark 4:11, Jesus said, “Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:” KJV The mystery He was talking about here was that the seed sown is the WORD of God. He describes what happens to it. A lot of times we are puzzled about why people don’t pick up on the good news of the Gospel. So He explains what can interfere with people’s understanding and acceptance of it.
The entire first two chapters of First Corinthians tells of the hidden wisdom of God that is made known to us. 1 Corinthians 2:7 “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:” KJV Then he says in 1 Corinthians 2:16 “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” KJV How cool is that?
Six times in the six chapters of the letter to the Ephesians St. Paul instructs us in the mysteries of God’s plan for mankind. The hardest one of all that caused the most trouble for him is found in Ephesians 3:1-6 “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” KJV
St. Paul got his information directly from God Himself by the Holy Spirit. Unity of Jews and Gentiles went against all the history and culture of the chosen people. They were supposed to avoid all contact with them. Such unity could only be known through revelation. In the book of Acts chapter 10, St. Peter had a vision. 10:28 “And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.”KJV
What a great wonder and glory to God that He gives us such a direct line into His heart of love! It takes revelation from God Himself to break in on our hard headed determination to be separated from one another. St. Paul said in Galatians 3:26-29, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ; there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” KJV
Male nor female? Really? Wow. God takes unity seriously. Heavenly Father, teach us by Your WORD and Your revelation that such a mystery can be known and put into practice by us Your Church. Our unity is the only way the world will know and recognize that You have sent Your Son: John 17:21 “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” KJV Amen.
Restoration Ministries 