The Mystery of Christ

The Mystery of Christ

“The mystery of Christ . . . which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets . . . .”

When we read this, we realize that it must be something very precious that was revealed. Then we need to ask: What is this that is so precious? We read further: “That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel . . . .” In other words, it is the “body of Christ” which is the great mystery, that which makes Jews and Gentiles one so they may serve each other as members of one body.

It seems that this mystery has also been a great mystery throughout the ages, despite the fact that it has been revealed through the Scriptures. The reason for this is that almost everyone seeks his own. Phil. 2:21. This attitude is diametrically opposed to the laws of the body; therefore those who have this attitude cannot be built up as the body of Christ. They have to organize a denomination to keep the assembly together.

“How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I wrote before in a few words . . . .” He wrote about this mystery in Ephesians 2:13-22. God had made a hedge of laws and commandments around Israel. The laws and ordinances were put there for the sake of the flesh, and to a large extent they protected Israel from the corruption of sin. However, when Israel broke down the hedge—when they were disobedient to the laws and commandments—they were no better than the Gentiles. Therefore God sent His Son who partook of flesh and blood in like manner as the children and did what the law could not do. Rom. 8:3; Heb. 2:14. Then all these laws and precepts became superfluous. We read, “On account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh . . . .” The law of commandments contained in ordinances . . . that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” In this manner He could “create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace.”

Here we have the entire mystery in a few words. Now both of them could gain “access by one Spirit to the Father.” God has elected some from various nations with differing cultures, all of them with a self-will, passions, and desires. Yet if we are baptized with one Spirit to be one body, the flesh is crucified, so that we no longer live for ourselves. 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Gal. 2:20. If the Spirit is to have authority, we must also enter into the sufferings of Christ by being crucified with Him. 1 Pet. 4:1-2. As many as are willing to do this are made into “one new man,” which is the body of Christ. Col. 3:11-15.

God has raised up men throughout the ages and has given them great grace, with the result that thousands have come to faith in Jesus’ death on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for them. Nevertheless, because they have not understood this mystery of Christ of being crucified with Him, they have not become one body. The flesh with all of its self-will has gained power, and people are divided up into numerous denominations, organized and led by majority vote. Thus Jesus as the head has been rejected, and people with education and talents have gained authority. They gather in various names, so that it has become impossible for Jesus’ prayer for oneness to be fulfilled. John 17:11.

When we, through the gospel, come to faith in this word that “if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:15), then it is not difficult to come to unity, because the result is a new creation. V. 17. We have also read that the work takes place on the cross. Therefore the word of the cross is the power of God for salvation to those who believe. 1 Cor. 1:18. This is the gospel that brings life and immortality to light. 2 Tim. 1:9-10.

God be praised who has revealed this mystery to the upright at the conclusion of the end times, so that the body of Christ can be built, and the bride is being made ready for Jesus’ coming.