“This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” Eph 3:6 (NIV)
When we hear the word mystery, we usually think of something that doesn’t make sense or add up. We use the word to denote something strange or unfathomable. However, in the language of the New Testament, mystery refers to something hidden in God, but not hidden from God. God is all-knowing, all-seeing, and all-powerful. There is nothing hidden from His sight.
God determines our level of comprehension of His revelation. He chooses what to reveal and what to conceal. God unveils the mystery to Paul by revelation. That is, God unveiled the truth of the gospel to Paul. That which was once hidden from Paul became visible to Paul by God’s revelation.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul conveys to the saints at Ephesus the reality found within the mystery. Paul is saying that the mystery is that through the gospel both Gentiles and Jews come together in the Body of Christ and share in the promise. The wall of separation has been demolished by Christ. The separation wall collapsed and the unifying bridge was built.
Are you embracing the mystery of the gospel? Have you decided to live in light of God’s revelation? God’s revelation is determined by our participation in the divine nature.
“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:4 (NIV)
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care