The term "The Mystery of the Gospel" refers to the divine revelation of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, which was previously hidden but has now been made known to humanity. This concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul frequently discusses the mystery that has been revealed in Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of mystery in the biblical context does not imply something that is incomprehensible but rather something that was once concealed and is now revealed by God. In Ephesians 3:3-6, Paul writes, "that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I have already written briefly. By reading this, 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."

The Unveiling of the Mystery

The mystery of the Gospel centers on the inclusion of the Gentiles into the covenantal promises of God, which were initially given to Israel. This inclusion is a significant theme in the New Testament, highlighting the universal scope of God's salvation plan. In Colossians 1:26-27, Paul 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."

Christ as the Fulfillment

Central to the mystery is the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Gospel reveals that through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, bringing salvation to all who believe, both Jew and Gentile. In Romans 16:25-26, Paul praises God, "Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by 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 writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith."

The Role of the Church

The Church plays a crucial role in the unfolding of this mystery. It is through the Church that the manifold wisdom of God is made known to the world. Ephesians 3:10-11 states, "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, according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The Mystery and Christian Living

Understanding the mystery of the Gospel has profound implications for Christian living. Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel, reflecting the unity and diversity of the body of Christ. In Colossians 4:3, Paul requests prayer "that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains."

Eschatological Aspect

The mystery also has an eschatological dimension, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. In 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Paul speaks of the mystery concerning the resurrection: "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed."

The Mystery of the Gospel, therefore, encompasses the revelation of God's inclusive salvation plan through Christ, the role of the Church in manifesting this plan, and the future hope of resurrection and eternal life.