The Mysteries of Christ
By Paul
Paul shared a very interesting message on the 'mysteries of Christ'. He talks about the 6 mysteries and skillfully strings scripture together to present a coherent understanding and fascinating perspectives into the mysteries of Christ...
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Unlocking the Mysteries of Christ allow us to understand salvation, the wisdom, and the grace of God in a new way. Being saved is only the first step of the journey to inherit the Kingdom of God, and to be joint heirs with Him. When we understand these mysteries and see their connectivity, it will also help us understand the progression in our spiritual walk that will lead us towards godliness and eternal life in heaven.
Mystery 1 - Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. 1 Cor 2:7 and Eph 3:3. The role of Christ in God's redemptive plan for humankind was a big secret. In fact it was kept as a secret or mystery for such a long time that even the principalities and powers did not know (otherwise they would not have crucified him). God had to keep the purpose of Jesus' life and the significance of His death, a mystery to all, only revealed by the Spirit to the discerning. This is the first step in our eternal journey towards the heavenly Kingdom of God. To acknowledge the power and gift of God, which is Jesus Christ our Redeemer and Saviour.
Mystery 2 - the salvation of the Gentiles. Eph 5:32 and Eph 3:6. As I read the bible, I am so thankful that it was possible for salvation to be given only to the believing Jews and that would have been the end of the matter for everyone else, including the Gentiles. In His mercy and wisdom, the bible tells us that it was also a secret that Christ's death would atone for the sins of the Gentiles, as well as the Jews. The ingrafting of the wild olive branch (Gentiles) to the olive tree (the Jews) will form a new tree - an allegory indicating that the Church of Jesus Christ, His pure and spotless Bride, is the splicing of both Jews and Gentiles as one. This is the second step in our journey where the body is slowly built up. Stone by stone, person by person, from all over the world.
Mystery 3 - the Kingdom of God. Matt 13:11. The bible tells us that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus therefore explained that He had to explain the mystery of the Kingdom, what its like, how to get there etc through parables. Of course, telling interesting stories is one way to get many people's attention, but really the crux is that for the listeners to know exactly what those stories mean - they had to be give revelation by the Holy Spirit. The way we enter into foreign countries and kingdoms today is through road, rail and airplane. To enter the Kingdom of God, one must enter it through the Spirit. This is the third step where our salvation and call will lead us to our heavenly country, our eternal home - the kingdom of God.
Mystery 4 - Christ in us, the Hope of Glory. Col 1:26. Just like Jews in the old days who had to climb the steep slopes up to Jerusalem every year, to ascend the spiritual hill of the Lord will require discipline and sacrifice. Its tough. As we prepare ourselves to enter and claim the Kingdom of God, we must endure persecution and hardship. The good news is we can do it with Christ dwelling in us. His person alone is not sufficient for us to enjoy the benefits of the mysteries revealed, it is Him in us, that is key to receiving glory. This is the fourth step and its very much like the first step. We have to repent of our sins and ask the Lord to enter into our hearts for us to be saved. Only with Him inside us, can we have the hope of glory. There can be no hope of any eternal glory for anyone who does not invite Christ into their heart.
Mystery 5 - the power of Resurrection. 1 Cor 15:51. Some will ask, if I seek after the kingdom of God, and do everything that pleases the Lord, will I have eternal life immediately or will I still pass away in the world. If there is no difference in the outcome compared to other religions, then what are the sacrifices of the Christian life worth? Well, the good news is Resurrection is another great mystery too. We don't know exactly how it works scientifically, but we do know by faith that death will have no grip over us Christians - through Christ, we will enjoy the power of resurrection, and more specifically, the resurrection unto life. This is what counts at the end. The true manifestation and promise of eternal life, is the absence of death. With God, He has promised that temporary physical death or separation will be overturned and a new body will be given to us.
Mystery 6 - the Mystery of Godliness. 1 Tim 3:16.. This kind of starts of, and sums up, the whole topic of the mysteries of Christ. The proof that Christ is real, he is not a ghost or pure spirit being (as was falsely preached by the agnostics), that He as God's plan for salvation also ushers in a new era where we live by the Spirit and not by flesh, He was really revealed to the principalities and powers, He is not just for the Jews etc.
God manifest in the flesh, --> John 1:14
Justified in the Spirit, --> Matt 3:16
Seen by angels, --> Matt 28:32
Preached amongst gentiles, --> Roms 10:18
Believed on in the world, --> Col 1:16
Received up in glory. --> Luke 24:51
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