Herein, the Mystery of Christ - Part 681

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. The early believers continued steadfastly in the teachings of the Spirit of God, which they in turn delivered to us. As the scriptures state, "For no other foundation can a man lay other than that which has been laid." (I Corinthians 3:11) This is the apostles' foundation which Jesus Himself is the chief cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:20)

In the book of Ephesians, Paul was explaining that the mystery of Christ -- hid in God from the beginning -- was now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. So that the Gentiles -- you and I -- could be fellow heirs with Jesus and of the same body. Partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel. 

Herein, Paul, by his own admission was made a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given unto him. Remember, Paul was initially Saul and had become famous for persecuting and killing those that believed in Jesus. He states, "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." (Ephesians 3:8)

What riches, you might ask. The one that all men see. The mystery -- which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God -- who created all things by Jesus Christ. To the intent that now -- unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places -- might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God -- according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:1-11)

Read that last part again. "According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:11) Think about this for a moment. Then ask yourself, "What do the scriptures say about Jesus? First, there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved. Second, at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Third, Jesus is the name above every other name.  Fourth, the one and only high priest -- Jesus -- who is a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. 

Further, the old testament states, "In the beginning God." (Genesis 1:1)  However, the mystery hid in God -- but now revealed in the new dispensation is that "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God .. and this same Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:1-18) Yes, the same God who created you and I in the beginning was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. The Father in creation -- Son in redemption is now the Spirit that comforts us day in and day out. His name is Jesus. 

Doubting Thomas said, "My Lord and my God." Isaiah wrote, "My Lord God and Saviour." Is there another? No way. God became our Saviour and He did so in order that we might have salvation. And now, according to the scriptures, the Church is His body. We are the body of Christ. We are His bones. We are His flesh. We are the temple in which He is pleased to dwell. We are the people called by His name.  

The same gospel that the Lord of hosts said in the old testament.  "Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass and as I have purposed, so shall it stand." (Isaiah 14:24) The good news gospel that was hidden from us until now was not a decision that could be changed. Indeed, our heavenly Father's plan of salvation was destined -- purposed -- to be even before the world was shaped. This is how much our Lord God loved you and I from the beginning.

The greatest love story ever told. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ -- His love -- His mercy -- be with you all! Stand in the offering plate.