“Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 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.“ Ephesians 3.2-6
“The mystery made known to me (Paul) by revelation….”
“You (the Ephesians) will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ….”
“This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel….”
The mentions of “mystery” three times by Paul is significant. The Gospel is of Christ is a mystery, still hidden from many people across the world. The mystery is just as Paul explains — “that through the gospels” Gentiles (all people) are heirs together with Israel. The mystery is made known by revelation (and retelling) of God’s word. The mystery is then understood and received by those who hear it.
Isn’t it a marvelous mystery that God would care enough for us to know him? I mean, what have we done to receive his glory and honor? What have we done to cause the God of the universe to make a way for us to be in relationship with him? We are but sinners saved by grace! We are wayward souls seeking a Savior. We are lost and alone, insecure and anxious, but through it all Christ reveals himself to us.
This is what Paul is telling the Ephesians and thus trying to tell us —- all people are now heirs to his promise. And his promise is forgiveness of sins, a relationship with the King, eternal security today and in this world to come, and purpose in life. Without the mystery of the Gospel made know to humanity, we would have no chance of knowing Christ.
I discovered the mystery as I’ve shared many times when I first committed my life to Christ. Thirty plus years ago at a summer camp where I simply surrendered my life to Jesus. It’s been a lifelong journey of knowing, seeking, and discovering the Lord. Even in my worst moments of sin and rejection of his grace, he has pursued me and in truth — I have pursued him. He is my help and my stay and through it all, he has not forsaken his children.
Perhaps today you have not discovered the mystery of the faith of knowing Christ. If this is you, pray this prayer — “Come Lord Jesus into my life. I confess my sin. I recognize that I am lost, fill me with your Holy Spirit. Save and redeem me. Help me know the mystery of your life. I commit my ways to you this day. Amen”
The mystery is that it’s not our good works that gets us to Christ nor is is our faithfulness — it is simply his mercy. Won’t you call upon the name of the Lord at this moment? Do not neglect the reason for which you were born and purchased by his blood upon the cross. For you matter to Him and knowing Him is the best gift you could ever receive.
“O Lord God, you are faithful and filled with grace. I am so thankful that I can know you and love your name. Come now, Holy Spirit, help me find strength in your Spirit and purpose in you. Save me Lord, redeem my family, call forth my friends, help us know the power of your love. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen