The concept of "The Mystery" in the Bible refers to divine truths that were once hidden but have been revealed through Christ and the apostles. This theme is prevalent in the New Testament, where the term "mystery" (Greek: μυστήριον, mystērion) is used to describe God's redemptive plan, which was previously concealed but is now made known to believers.

Biblical Foundation

1. The Mystery of Christ: The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of the mystery of Christ, which refers to the inclusion of the Gentiles in the promises of God. 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."

2. The Mystery of the Gospel: The gospel itself is described as a mystery. In Ephesians 6:19 , Paul requests prayer "that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel." This mystery encompasses the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which provides salvation to all who believe.

3. The Mystery of God’s Will: In Ephesians 1:9-10 , Paul explains that God "made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ." This reveals God's ultimate plan to unite all things under Christ's lordship.

4. The Mystery of Faith: The mystery of faith is a central tenet of Christian belief. In 1 Timothy 3:9 , Paul instructs deacons to "hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience." This mystery involves the profound truths of the Christian faith, including the incarnation, atonement, and resurrection of Jesus.

5. The Mystery of Godliness: In 1 Timothy 3:16 , Paul declares, "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 encapsulates the life and work of Jesus Christ as the foundation of Christian piety and devotion.

Theological Implications

The revelation of these mysteries signifies the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history. The mysteries were hidden in ages past but are now disclosed to the saints (Colossians 1:26). This revelation underscores the sovereignty and wisdom of God, who orchestrates history according to His divine purpose.

The inclusion of the Gentiles as co-heirs with Israel highlights the universal scope of the gospel. It breaks down the barriers between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Christ (Ephesians 2:14-16). This mystery emphasizes the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, the Church.

The mysteries also call believers to a deeper understanding and stewardship of the truths of the faith. As stewards of God's mysteries (1 Corinthians 4:1), Christians are entrusted with the responsibility to proclaim and live out these truths in a world that often remains blind to them.

Practical Application

Understanding the mysteries of God encourages believers to seek wisdom and revelation through the Holy Spirit. It invites a life of faith that embraces the profound truths of the gospel and the transformative power of Christ's work. Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of the calling they have received, reflecting the unity and love that the mystery of Christ brings to fruition.