Nov. 3 Mystery of Christ & Redemption

November 3 - Mystery of Christ and Redemption

Romans 16:25, "Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past ..."

1 Corinthians 2:7, "No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began."

Ephesians 3:4, "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 heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."

Colossians 1:27 "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."

Colossians 2:2, "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

I started some of this yesterday, but as I uncovered more and more passages regarding the mystery of Christ coming at the time that He did, opening the gates of heaven for everyone, not just the Jews, I became overwhelmed!

I don't know who Paul was speaking to more - the Gentiles or the Jews, but he wanted to make it very clear that the time God had been waiting for was NOW and the mystery was being revealed in Christ Jesus.

For thousands of years the Israelites had been searching for their Messiah, for the final chance of coming to terms with their sin and their Creator. He is here and through His resurrection, He is in all of us. While this information is easily accepted by most of us, it is profound and would not have been understood by the people of Paul's time. This was an incredibly powerful message.

Do you understand what could have happened had God not made His gospel available to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ? Imagine the difference in the world, if the Jews had recognized Jesus for who He was and would have accepted Him as the Christ - the Messiah. There is every probability that acceptance would have triggered the end of the world. God would have redeemed His people and everything else would be over.

But, His plan is perfect. God knew that He didn't want to allow anyone on earth to perish if He could avoid it. For that to happen, the Jews needed to reject Christ as their Messiah so that He could open up the Gospel to every nation on earth.

"He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9b)

As Gentiles ... we have been given the greater gift. We need to acknowledge it and be grateful. We need to not squander this glorious gift.