As we come to the close of our study in Romans, Paul mentions “the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret since the world began” (Romans 16:25). This word “mystery” is not to be understood as it is used to describe a crime mystery. This word describes something that was hidden from view in the past, but is now made known. Scripture talks about “the mystery of the kingdom of God” (Mark 4:11). We elsewhere read about the mystery of the partial blindness to the nation of Israel regarding their Messiah Jesus while the salvation of God is proclaimed to the Gentiles (Romans 11:25). This mystery of salvation is referred to as being “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Christ and His relationship with His bride the church is also referred to as a mystery (Ephesians 5:32).
As great and glorious as all of these mysteries are, the greatest and grandest of them all is what Paul calls “the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16). If Jesus Christ did not leave His glory (John 17:5) to become a spotless Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:18-20), none of the other mysteries would mean a single thing. God planned the redemption of man before the foundation of the world. Before He created Adam and Eve and placed them in the garden, God planned this glorious gospel of grace, through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5-6; Revelation 13:8). All of the great doctrines of the Bible and all of the mysteries hinge upon one great mystery, and that is that God was manifest in the flesh.
This teaches me how important it is to strip away all of the issues and -isms that crave my attention and in pursuing them, clog my spiritual arteries, and get back to loving Jesus Christ with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (Luke 10:27).
Seek Christ, beloved! Seek His face and His will for your life. Love Him supremely and serve Him gladly. Serve an eviction notice to anyone or anything that is a rival to the throne of your heart. The mystery of being transformed from mortal to immortality can happen at any moment (1 Corinthians 15:51-53), and for that reason, may we be steadfast and faithful in the work that The Lord places before us (1 Corinthians 15:58).
