THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL

What is this mystery?

Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
3:9 And to make all people see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
3:19 And to know the love of Christ,

This mystery was not known prior?
3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

The great prophets, like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Moses, did not fully understand this mystery? They were given great revelations but something about this mystery they fully grasp. It wasn't until Jesus came that the mystery began to unfold.
It was Jesus, talking about the kingdom of heaven in parables that said:
" I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world." (Matthew 13:35)

God had revealed much through the prophets, and through the sanctuary system, preparing people to accept the greatest gift heaven had to offer: the Son of God, the Creator of all things to appear in this world taking upon Himself the humanity of the created. But for them it was still a great mystery both the event and the realities made possible by that event. They could not fully understand.

Though the NT brings this mystery into a clearer focus, we still don't fully understand.

But why was it a mystery, why not make if plain for all to see and understand. Could the devil somehow interfere if it was made clear..

To save the transgressor of God's law, Christ, the one equal with the Father, came to live heaven before men, that they might learn to know what it is to have heaven in the heart. He illustrated what man must be to be worthy of the precious boon of the life that measures with the life of God.

The life of Christ was a life charged with a divine message of the love of God, and he longed intensely to impart this love to others in rich measure. Compassion beamed from his countenance, and his conduct was characterized by grace, humility, truth, and love. Every member of his church militant must manifest the same qualities, if he would join the church triumphant. The love of Christ is so broad, so full of glory, that in comparison to it, everything that men esteem as great, dwindles into
insignificance. When we obtain a view of it, we exclaim, O the depth of the riches of the love that God bestowed upon men in the gift of his only begotten Son!

When we seek for appropriate language in which to describe the love of God, we find words too tame, too weak, too far beneath the theme, and we lay down our pen and say, "No, it cannot be described." We can only do as did the beloved disciple, and say, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." [1 John 3:1.] In attempting any description of this love, we feel that we are as infants lisping their first words. Silently we may adore; for silence in this matter is the only eloquence. This love is past all language to describe. It is the mystery of God in the flesh, God in Christ, and divinity in humanity. Christ bowed down in unparalleled humility, that in his exaltation to the throne of God, he might also exalt those who believe in him, to a seat with him upon his throne. All who look upon Jesus in faith that the wounds and bruises that sin has made will be healed in him, shall be made whole.

The themes of redemption are momentous themes, and only those who are spiritually minded can discern their depth and significance . It is our safety, our life, our joy, to dwell upon the truths of the plan of salvation. Faith and prayer are necessary in order that we may behold the deep things of God. Our minds are so bound about with narrow ideas, that we catch but limited views of the experience it is our privilege to have. How little do we comprehend what is meant by the prayer of the apostle, when he says, "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." [Ephesians 3:16-21.]--Review and Herald, Nov. 17, 1891.

THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL

This mystery was not known prior?
3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

The great prophets, like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Moses, did not fully understand this mystery? They were given great revelations but something about this mystery they fully grasp. It wasn't until Jesus came that the mystery began to unfold.
It was Jesus, talking about the kingdom of heaven in parables that said:
" I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world." (Matthew 13:35)

God had revealed much through the prophets, and through the sanctuary system, preparing people to accept the greatest gift heaven had to offer: the Son of God, the Creator of all things to appear in this world taking upon Himself the humanity of the created. But for them it was still a great mystery both the event and the realities made possible by that event. They could not fully understand.

Though the NT brings this mystery into a clearer focus, we still don't fully understand.

But why was it a mystery, why not make if plain for all to see and understand. Could the devil somehow interfere if it was made clear..

3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

How little we understand the implication of those words!

exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think!!!

What does that mean to you? God, who created and rules the immeasurable universe, promises us that He will work in us, strengthen us through His Holy Spirit, and live in us by faith.

That indeed is a mystery. How God can connect us to Divine power strong enough to conquer evil principles, overcome sin, and live for Christ.

With a God like that, eager to uplift and save. why do people say they "can't let go of some sin.

Ephesians 6:10-18
6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;