The concept of "The Mystery of God's Work" is a profound theme woven throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting the divine wisdom and sovereign purposes of God that are often beyond human comprehension. This mystery encompasses God's redemptive plan, His dealings with humanity, and the unfolding of His kingdom.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the mystery of God's work in his epistles. In Ephesians 1:9-10 , Paul writes, "And He 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." Here, the mystery is revealed as God's ultimate plan to unite all things under Christ, a plan that was hidden for ages but is now disclosed to believers.

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." This passage highlights the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's salvific plan, a revelation that was once concealed but is now made manifest through the indwelling presence of Christ.

The Mystery of the Gospel

Central to the mystery of God's work is the gospel itself. In Ephesians 3:4-6 , Paul explains, "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." The gospel reveals the mystery of salvation available to all, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries, and establishing a new covenant community in Christ.

The Mystery of Godliness

Another aspect of the mystery is the incarnation and the person of Jesus Christ. 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 mystery of God becoming man, living a sinless life, and accomplishing redemption through His death and resurrection.

The Mystery of the Kingdom

Jesus Himself spoke of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 13:11 , He tells His disciples, "The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them." Through parables, Jesus revealed truths about the kingdom that were hidden from those who were not receptive to His message. These mysteries pertain to the nature, growth, and consummation of God's kingdom.

The Mystery of Israel's Hardening

In Romans 11:25 , Paul addresses another dimension of God's mysterious work: "I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in." This passage speaks to the temporary hardening of Israel, which serves the purpose of bringing the Gentiles into the fold, ultimately leading to the salvation of all Israel.

The Mystery of Iniquity

The mystery of God's work also includes the presence of evil and the eventual triumph over it. In 2 Thessalonians 2:7 , Paul refers to "the mystery of lawlessness," which is already at work but will be fully revealed in the end times. This mystery involves the restraint and eventual defeat of evil forces by Christ at His return.

Conclusion

The mystery of God's work is a multifaceted theme that reveals the depth of God's wisdom and the unfolding of His redemptive purposes. Through the revelation of these mysteries, believers are invited to trust in God's sovereign plan and to participate in the mission of proclaiming the gospel to all nations.