"The Mysteries Of
God"
I Corinthians 4:1
The word "mystery", as it is
used in the New Testament, refers to something once hidden but now revealed.
That which was hidden under the types and shadows of the law is now revealed in
the gospel. That which is hidden from natural, unregenerate, unbelieving people
is revealed to believers by the Holy Spirit. The word is used twenty-two times
in the New Testament. But the mysteries revealed are seven.
1. THE
MYSTERY OF GODLINESS (I Tim. 3:16) is the whole body of revealed truth
regarding the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ the incarnate,
crucified, risen, exalted, saving Son of God (Eph. 6:19; Col. 2:2; 4:3).
2. THE
MYSTERY OF FAITH (I Tim. 3:9) is the message of salvation by the grace of God,
through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the message of the gospel (I Cor.
2:7).
3. THE
MYSTERY OF SPIRITUAL UNION (Eph.
4. THE
MYSTERY OF PROVIDENCE (Rom.
5. THE
MYSTERY OF THE STARS AND CANDLESTICKS (Rev. 1:20) is the assurance given to
faithful pastors (stars) and gospel churches (candlesticks) that they are in
the hands of Christ, established, provided for, and preserved by him.
6. THE
MYSTERY OF INIQUITY (II Thess. 2:7) and of Babylon (Rev. 17:5) is the wicked
influence of freewill, works religion, as it is used by God to be an instrument
of judgment upon those who receive not the love of the truth.
7. THE
MYSTERY OF THE RESURRECTION (I Cor. 15:51) is the wonder of how Christ will
both raise the dead and reconcile all things to God (Eph. 1:9-10) at his
glorious second advent.
Don Fortner