Topical Encyclopedia The term "mystery of Christ" refers to the profound and divine revelation of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, which was once hidden but is now revealed to believers. This concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament and is pivotal to understanding the nature and purpose of the Gospel.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul frequently uses the term "mystery" to describe the Gospel. In Ephesians 3:4-6 , Paul writes, "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 fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights that the mystery of Christ involves the inclusion of the Gentiles into the covenant promises of God, a truth that was not fully disclosed in previous generations. The mystery is not something that remains hidden but is a divine truth now revealed through the Holy Spirit to the apostles and prophets. Theological Significance The mystery of Christ underscores the unity and universality of the Gospel. It reveals that salvation through Jesus is available to all people, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. This was a radical departure from the Jewish understanding of God's covenant, which was traditionally seen as exclusive to Israel. In Colossians 1:26-27 , Paul further elaborates, "the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His 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." Here, the mystery is not only the inclusion of the Gentiles but also the indwelling presence of Christ in believers, which is the hope of eternal glory. Christological Focus The mystery of Christ is inherently Christological, centering on the person and work of Jesus. It encompasses the incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. In 1 Timothy 3:16 , Paul succinctly captures this: "And by common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory." This verse encapsulates the essence of the mystery: the divine nature of Christ, His redemptive mission, and His exaltation. The mystery of Christ is not merely a doctrinal concept but a living reality that transforms the believer's life. Practical Implications Understanding the mystery of Christ has profound implications for the believer's life and mission. It calls for a life of unity, as seen in Ephesians 3:9-10 , where Paul speaks of making "plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." The church is the steward of this mystery, tasked with proclaiming the Gospel to all nations and demonstrating the wisdom of God through its unity and love. The mystery of Christ compels believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives. Conclusion The mystery of Christ is a central theme in the New Testament, revealing the inclusive and redemptive plan of God through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the unity of all believers in Christ and the indwelling presence of Christ as the hope of glory. As stewards of this mystery, the church is called to proclaim and live out the Gospel, demonstrating the manifold wisdom of God to the world. Nave's Topical Index Ephesians 3:4Whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Nave's Topical Index Library That Christ is Called a Sheep and a Lamb who was to be Slain, and ... The Present Working of the Mystery of Iniquity Proves that There ... On the Words of the Gospel, John i. 48,"When Thou Wast under the ... On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 42, Where the Lord Asks ... The Holy Spirit is Rightly Called the Ointment of Christ... On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus Went Out Thence ... The Gospel Message in Antioch Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ... The Opinion of the Apostles on Veiling the Mysteries of the Faith. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 21, "How Oft Shall My ... Resources What is the Gospel of Peter? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be gospel-centered? | GotQuestions.org What is the Gospel of Judas? | GotQuestions.org Gospel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gospel According To the Hebrews Gospel: Called the New Covenant Gospel: Called: Doctrine According to Godliness Gospel: Called: Form of Sound Words Gospel: Called: Glorious Gospel of Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Jesus Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Peace Gospel: Called: Gospel of Salvation Gospel: Called: Gospel of the Kingdom Gospel: Called: Ministration of the Spirit Gospel: Called: Mystery of Christ Gospel: Called: Mystery of the Gospel Gospel: Called: Preaching of Jesus Christ Gospel: Called: The Dispensation of the Grace of God Gospel: Called: The Grace of God Gospel: Called: The Kingdom of God Gospel: Called: Word of Christ Gospel: Called: Word of Reconciliation Gospel: Called: Word of Salvation Gospel: Compared to a Householder Gospel: Compared to a Mustard Seed Gospel: Compared to a Pearl of Great Price Gospel: Compared to a Treasure Hidden in a Field Gospel: Compared to Leaven (Yeast) Gospel: Prophecies Relating To Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Gospel is Called the Dispensation of the Grace of God The Gospel is Called the Doctrine According to Godliness The Gospel is Called the Form of Sound Words The Gospel is Called the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Christ The Gospel is Called the Gospel of God The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Peace The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Salvation The Gospel is Called the Gospel of the Grace of God The Gospel is Called the Gospel of the Kingdom The Gospel is Called the Ministration of the Spirit The Gospel is Called the Mystery of the Gospel The Gospel is Called the Preaching of Jesus Christ The Gospel is Called the Word of Christ The Gospel is Called the Word of Faith The Gospel is Called the Word of God The Gospel is Called the Word of Grace The Gospel is Called the Word of Life The Gospel is Called the Word of Reconciliation The Gospel is Called the Word of Salvation The Gospel is Called the Word of Truth The Gospel is Good Tidings of Great Joy for all People The Gospel is Hid to Them That are Lost The Gospel is the Power of God to Salvation The Gospel: Awful Consequences of not Obeying The Gospel: Be Careful not to Hinder The Gospel: Exhibits the Grace of God The Gospel: Let Him Who Preached Another, be Accursed The Gospel: Life and Immortality are Brought to Light by Jesus Through The Gospel: Ministers Have a Stewardship to Preach The Gospel: Preached Beforehand to Abraham The Gospel: Preached by Christ The Gospel: Preached to Every Creature The Gospel: Preached to The Gentiles The Gospel: Preached to The Jews First The Gospel: Preached to The Poor The Gospel: Preached Under the Old Testament The Gospel: Profession of, Attended by Afflictions The Gospel: Promises to Sufferers The Gospel: Rejection of, by Many, Foretold The Gospel: Rejection of, by the Jews, a Means of Blessing to The The Gospel: Saints Have Fellowship In The Gospel: Testifies to the Final Judgment The Gospel: The Knowledge of the Glory of God is By The Gospel: There is Fulness of Blessing In The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Adhere to the Truth of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Earnestly Contend for the Faith of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Have Their Conversation Becoming The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Live in Subjection To The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should not be Ashamed of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Sacrifice Friends and Property For The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Sacrifice Life Itself For Related Terms |
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