Doctrines (posted Tuesday, October 2 2007)

In the New Testament, a whole different way of living and worshipping God is commanded for believers. To enable us to live by these new standards, God presented a mystery doctrine which had thus far been unknown by all creatures up to this point.

What is the mystery doctrine and why is it important?

What is a mystery doctrine?

In the Greek words of the New Testament, the word musterion (Strong's #3466) is used to signify the new teachings of this age. We get the modern English word "mystery" from this root word, although the meanings are different. The modern word "mystery" means something that is unknown and must be uncovered, for instance in books known as mystery novels. In New Testament times, a musterion was some hidden truth that only a certain group of people were allowed to know, similar to the modern word "secret".

However, musterion doesn't designate just any kind of secret, and there are other Greek words for regular secrets in the Bible. In this case, usage indicates a deeply guarded secret or a secret held sacred and only made known to those who are initiated into the group.

Since God saw fit to keep a sacred truth hidden until Christ's ministry, it certainly indicates something totally new and different from Old Testament times, and which is especially meaningful to Christ Himself. It therefore must be equally important to the Christian who desires to live according to God's plan for this life.

What is God's guarded secret?

The great truth that God kept revealed until this age is taught in the New Testament. First, our Lord Jesus Christ personally revealed the existence and meaning of the sacred secret. These new teachings are revealed in John 14-16 when, at the end of His ministry just before His death, Christ makes some completely new revelations that had never been taught before by Scripture.

- John 14:20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.

- John 15:4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

After Jesus, Paul based his entire ministry to the Gentiles and life purpose on this great secret. The secret is the Gospel of Jesus Christ: that by believing upon Him, not only will you be saved, but more than that you will also be united with the Lord Jesus Christ forever, never separated from His position and glory.

- Ephesians 1:9-10 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment - to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

- Ephesians 3:2-6 Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 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.

- Ephesians 3:8-9 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

- Ephesians 5:29-32 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church - for we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery - but I am talking about Christ and the church.

- Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel

- Colossians 1:25-27 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness - the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

- Colossians 2:2-3 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

- Colossians 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Why did God hide this mystery?

Scripture teaches clearly that Old Testament saints, even the greatest among them, had no clue as to this new teaching.

- Matthew 13:10-11,17 The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?" He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. [...] For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

- Romans 16:25-26 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him - to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

The idea that Gentiles would be allowed into the protection of God was uncommon, but the idea that all mankind would be able to be grafted eternally into union with Christ was incredible. And yet God kept this awesome revelation from the saints of old for a purpose.

- 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

God's ultimate purpose was to allow mankind of crucify Christ, so that through His sacrifice, all may be reconciled to Him. How great is God who kept this secret from even the great Old Testament saints!

Therefore, this hidden message of the past, which was not revealed by God until Jesus Christ announced the present age, is now no longer a mystery. It is clearly revealed to all now through the Bible, the Mind of Christ. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved; and you will be united with Him forever.

- John 14:20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.