Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 6000 Sin and salvation » 6600 Aspects of salvation » 6694 mystery Normally, God's plan of salvation which, though once unknown to human beings, is now revealed by God. God's character and purpose cannot be discerned by human reason Job 11:7 See also Job 38:1-42:6 God reveals his plans through dreams, interpreted by his servant Daniel 2:28 Nebuchadnezzar's dreams require the interpretation that God discloses to Daniel before they can be understood as a revelation of divine purposes for Babylon and the surrounding nations. See also Daniel 2:17-49; Daniel 4:9 God's mysteries are revealed to a man inspired by his Spirit Daniel 4:18 See also Amos 3:7 The mystery of God's kingdom Matthew 13:11 pp Mark 4:11 pp Luke 8:10 God's plan to establish his kingdom is revealed only to those chosen to receive it. To those “outside” it is hidden in parables. Mystery as God's plan of salvation God's plan, now revealed, has been hidden for long ages Ephesians 3:9 The use of “mystery” in this sense is found particularly in Paul's letters. See also Romans 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Colossians 1:26 God's plan is fulfilled in Jesus Christ Ephesians 1:9 See also Ephesians 3:4; Colossians 2:2; 1 Timothy 3:16 The “mystery of godliness” is the revealed secret that produces godliness in people. God's plan through Jesus Christ is for the salvation of Gentiles as well as Jews Ephesians 3:6 See also Romans 11:25; Colossians 1:27 Ultimately God's plan is for the transformation of the whole creation Ephesians 1:9-10 See also 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; Revelation 10:7; Revelation 17:5-8 God's plan is revealed by his Spirit so that his servants may publicly proclaim it Ephesians 3:8-9 See also Ephesians 3:4-6; Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 1:25-27; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 10:7 Mystery as other aspects of God's purposes, spiritually discerned 2 Thessalonians 2:7 Paul's reference to “the secret power (literally “mystery”) of lawlessness” suggests that we know some things about evil only as God reveals them. See also 1 Corinthians 13:2; Corinthians 14:2 Mystery as an allegorical understanding of a biblical text, revealed to Paul by God Ephesians 5:31-32 Paul sees Ge 2:24 as symbolising the unity between Jesus Christ and his church; the unity of husband and wife is a human reflection of that relationship. See also
1145 God, transcendent |
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