331. The Mysteries of Christ Promote Obedience to the Faith

“Now to Him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, to promote obedience to the faith . . . .” [Norw.].

Jesus Christ’s work with us always leads toward obedience to the faith because Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He is God’s wisdom, and once we have tasted the Spirit of Jesus Christ and His light and knowledge, we have to have more of it, because every time we are released and liberated from the bonds and chains of sin, it makes us want more of the same. This is the orbit of the sun of righteousness around mankind. If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

It takes time for a godless sinner to surrender completely to the forgiveness of sins; it takes even longer for a person to learn to walk blamelessly in all things. Here the mysteries of Christ come to our aid. Knowledge regarding Jesus Christ’s walk on the way through the flesh gives us strength, faith, and hope. He says to His disciples, “And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

When we walk on the new and living way, we receive revelation and new light by the leading of God’s Spirit. That is why it is written: “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” Herein lie the mystery of faith, the mystery of the walk, and the mystery of the ministry. All of these together are referred to as the mystery of godliness. For without godliness a person has no understanding of faith, the walk, or the ministry.

All reconciliation between God and people takes place on the cross. That is where God put to death the enmity. This cross must be active throughout our life if we are to be able to live a victorious life and crucify the flesh with its passions and desires, such as anger, irritation, evil speaking, sexual impurity, greed, etc. This happens through obedience to the faith. We then partake of Jesus Christ’s sufferings, His death, and the power of His resurrection. Phil. 3:10. What more can we desire here in this world while we are waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ?