Mystery of Christ - Chapter 2

The Mystery of Christ

(3) How that by revelation

he made known unto me

the mystery;

(as I wrote afore in few words,

(4) Whereby, when ye read,

ye may understand my knowledge

in the mystery of Christ

(5) 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;)

-Ephesians 3:3-5

 

       The Mystery of the First Love Lost also relates to the mystery of Christ.  God revealed the mystery to Paul and Paul shared this knowledge with the Ephesians through his writings.

       Another important clue to note is that the mystery is now being revealed by the Spirit of God.

       However, do not jump to conclusions.  Before we can really grasp what Paul is telling us, we must understand how the Spirit really functions.  If we are patient, the information we need will be provided in due time.

       Take care.  This is where the mystery can slip right through our fingers if we do not wait until we have all of the pieces of the puzzle.
 

Unto me,

who am less than the least of all saints,

is this grace given,

that I should preach among the Gentiles

the unsearchable riches of Christ;

-Ephesians 3:8

 

       Paul considers himself to be the least of all the believers.  But God specializes in using the weak and humble things of the world.

       Paul was called to complete the written Word through his writings and thereby declare this mystery to God's people so they could know the riches of eternal life that reside in the mystery of Christ.

 

(1) For I would that ye knew

what great conflict I have for you,

and for them of Laodicea,

and for as many

as have not seen my face in the flesh;

(2) That their hearts might be comforted,

being knit together in love,

and unto all riches

of the full assurance of understanding,

to the acknowledgement of

the mystery of God, and of the Father,

and of Christ;

(3) In whom

[God, the Father, and Christ]

are hid

all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

-Colossians 2:1-3

 

       Paul's words are designed to span the boundaries of time and are written not only for the Colossians, but for all true believers, whether we have seen Paul in the flesh or not.

       Paul's purpose is to bring unity and comfort to believers as they realize the value of their mutual position in Christ.  He wants them all to experience complete assurance as they understand and acknowledge the mystery of God the Father and Jesus Christ because all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge have been hidden in them.

       Since everything believers need to know about God the Father and Jesus Christ is hidden in God the Father and Jesus Christ, the mystery of Christ is discovered through contemplating and submitting to His preeminence in all things.
       Paul recognizes that his mission and focus of ministry is to fulfil the Word of God, or complete our understanding regarding where all true wisdom and knowledge really come from.
 

(25) Whereof I am made a minister,

according to the dispensation of God

which is given to me for you,

to fulfil the word of God;

(26) Even the mystery

which hath been hid from ages

and from generations,

but now is made manifest to his saints:

(27) 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

(28) Whom we preach,

warning every man,

and teaching every man in all wisdom;

that we may present every man

perfect in Christ Jesus:

-Colossians 1:25-27

 

       God has given Paul the important mission, through this mystery, to reveal just how valuable our relationship with Christ really is.

       But there is something else God intends to accomplish.  He has also ordained this mystery to play a vital part in perfecting every true believer in Christ.