There is so much that we do not know about God and probably never will. He is above us and beyond us in all that he thinks and does. The God we serve has no limits. He has his plans and motives for his plans. This is the second part of faith that we accept what is so mysterious about him and what he intends. The first part, of course, is the plan of salvation through the sacrifice of his son on the cross. Now this text tells us that there is a finish to his mystery and that he will share it with his servants and prophets.
Paul uses the word ministry 20/27 times in the New Testament. The concept of our relationship with God is that the teachings within the divine mysteries can and will only be revealed to those who are initiated into the family of God. Instead of using the word ministry in the Old Testament, a similar word “secret” appears. In this case, is the concept of what are the councils of God which he will reveal to his people. There is so much involved in how God operates whether it be on the cosmic level or realization for the depth of the evil in this world. Even so, the broad expanse of such knowledge can only be gained how and when God chooses to do so.
There is a basic divine truth that can only be known by his generate family members on a supernatural base. The depths of such understanding will singularly come in full form by the operation of the Holy Spirit. One mystery presented to the prophets is a rejection of the Jews, the inclusion of Gentiles for salvation, and the return of Jews recognizing Christ as the Messiah. (Romans 11:12 etc.)
How is it that we are now no longer Jew or Gentile, but all have become spiritual Jews? (Romans 3:29; Galatians 3:7) Paul spoke about believers having circumcision of their heart. This is the great mystery of the New Testament! As part of the promise that God gave to Abraham, all the nations of the world should be blessed. The Jews had the opportunity to be the evangelists to the rest of mankind. Yet they neglected to do so by pulling within themselves a perverted kind of religion overshadowed by the dictates of priests. They put more hindrances in the way of people to be part of the family of God than paving the way for everyone to be part of the family of God. The mystery is how God solved that problem through the crucifixion of Jesus and the expansion of the resurrection good news shared to all the world.
Paul offered comfort for what faces us beyond death. He instructed us to be courageous for when Christ returns there will be a great transformation for those dead and those yet alive. No one can explain how mysterious this will be when Jesus returns in the sky appearing to all the world simultaneously. There is no code that declares how our bodies will be transformed. There is no map that tells us where we will go either in the near or distant future before or after his return.
More mysteries have yet to be revealed. There are hidden truths only to be understood supernaturally. There is a mystery that will be unveiled after the church has been raptured. It is the appearance and nature of the Antichrist. We are given some descriptions of his behavior. We are not given the details for the exercise of his influence.
To the believer, a great mystery exists for what was possible that the perfect Jesus could satisfy the wrath of God against sin. The Bible outlines our conduct in this world without telling us so much of the culmination of time. This is why faith is a daily experience not just prayers covered once or church attendance made regularly. All we really know is that Jesus is our Savior. Beyond that, much is left for us to discover in our walk, in our relationship with God.
Christian Writer 