The concept of "The Mystery of Christ" is a profound theme woven throughout the New Testament, encapsulating the divine plan of salvation and the revelation of God's grace through Jesus Christ. This mystery, once hidden, is now made known to the saints and is central to the Christian faith.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul is the primary expositor of this mystery, particularly in his epistles. 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 Nature of the Mystery

The mystery of Christ encompasses several key elements:

1. Inclusion of the Gentiles: One of the most revolutionary aspects of this mystery is the inclusion of the Gentiles as co-heirs with Israel. This was a radical departure from the Jewish understanding of God's covenant, which was traditionally seen as exclusive to the descendants of Abraham. The mystery reveals that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile (Galatians 3:28).

2. The Indwelling of Christ: Colossians 1:26-27 further elaborates on this mystery: "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." The indwelling presence of Christ in believers is a transformative aspect of this mystery, signifying a personal and communal relationship with God.

3. The Unification of All Things: Ephesians 1:9-10 speaks of God's purpose "to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ." This cosmic dimension of the mystery points to the ultimate reconciliation and unity of all creation under the lordship of Christ.

The Revelation of the Mystery

The revelation of this mystery is attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit, who illuminates the hearts and minds of believers. The apostles and prophets were the initial recipients of this revelation, tasked with proclaiming it to the world. The mystery, once concealed, is now openly declared through the gospel, inviting all to partake in the promises of God.

Implications for the Church

The mystery of Christ has profound implications for the Church:

· Unity in Diversity: The Church is called to embody the unity of Jew and Gentile, reflecting the inclusive nature of the gospel. This unity is not uniformity but a harmonious diversity that glorifies God.

· Mission and Evangelism: The revelation of the mystery compels the Church to engage in mission, sharing the gospel with all nations and peoples. The Church is the steward of this mystery, entrusted with its proclamation.

· Spiritual Maturity: Understanding the mystery of Christ leads to spiritual growth and maturity. Believers are encouraged to seek deeper knowledge and wisdom in Christ, as Paul prays in Colossians 2:2-3 , "that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Conclusion

The mystery of Christ, once hidden and now revealed, is a testament to God's redemptive plan and His desire for all humanity to be reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ. This mystery, central to the gospel, continues to inspire and challenge the Church to live out its implications in faith, unity, and mission.