“…and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” Ephesians6:16
In the letter of Paul to the Ephesians, he speaks frequently of a “mystery.” This mystery is something that has been hidden, unknown before, but now manifested, or revealed. Paul prefaces his comments on this matter by writing of “…the dispensation of the grace of God which is given to me to you-ward.” This dispensation is not just a message, or revelation of God given to Paul, but a communication of the design and purpose that God intended to give to Christ’s church, every member of His body. God reveals the truth, or truths, of this glorious hidden reality, now come to fruition, for the purpose of it being realized in the hearts and minds of believers. This revelation is unveiled by the Spirit of God, coming straight from heaven, straight from the throne of God with Christ seated at the right hand of the Father. It is not something, some idea, plan, or method of man, by which things might spiritually come to pass. Paul thus speaks of a specific revelation of a specific hidden truth and reality in the mind of God, destined for men to grasp, and then to live it in a most certain and powerful way. What does Paul say about this mystery?
Paul calls it the “mystery of Christ.” It has is meaning, essence, and power IN Christ. It’s beginning and ending are in Christ, and the manifestation of it will be Christ Himself, by the Spirit, for the glory of God. Secondly, he tells how that it is something that is “revealed” by the Spirit to the apostles and prophets. He speaks of it as applying to all believers, both Gentile and Jew, according to a promise in Christ by the gospel. This gospel, according to the Apostle, was not received of man, nor was it taught by man. It came only, “…by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Gal. 1:12) It is very important that we understand the nature and the process by which God has unveiled this “mystery,” then revealing it to His trusted servants, that all believers may be partakers of it. The fact that this revelation came soon after the birth of the church, reveals to us that the truth is destined to the believer, not to just know it intellectually, but to live it, by the Spirit. What then is this mystery, this hidden truth, or truths, for all believers?
Paul, in answering this question, speaks of “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” (Eph. 3:8) His commission and enablement, were given specifically, “…to make all men see what is the FELLOWSHIP of the mystery.” (Eph. 3:9) In the letter to the Colossians, he writes again very specifically: “…To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27) Here is the mystery, that God has come to men, to make his dwelling, by the Spirit of Christ, in the heart, so that there would be the revelation of Christ’s life, His glory before all the principalities and powers of the air, eternally speaking, and in this world, that many would come to a saving knowledge of Him. Paul goes on to elaborate on the revelation of this “mystery of God,” by writing: “…in Whom (Christ) are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Col.2:3) What then is the calling of every believer with regard to the revelation of this mystery?
It is first and foremost a call to be partakers of it, not only “receiving” the knowledge of Christ by the Spirit into the heart, but believing Him for the fulness of the Spirit on a daily basis. Paul, as well as John the Apostle, calls this the true, “…fellowship with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” (1 Jn. 1:3) Secondly, the mystery is revealed, Christ’s fullness, revealed by the Spirit, for the witness to the world, that He truly saves completely.
Dear Father, Open our eyes to see our union with Christ, enabling us to abide in Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.