Articles

“God’s Plan of Salvation” (II Cor. 5:19-21)

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing theirtrespasses unto them; ...we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

For He hath made HIM (Christ) sin for us, who (Christ) knew no sin; (in order) that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Cor. 5:19-21)

"The Faith" - God's gift - a revelation given for the recipient to believe (vs. 19, 21).

"Personal Faith" -The recipient's response - the Affirmative: SINS forgiven. The Negative: otherwise (vs. 20).

"THE MYSTERY" A Corporate Body, i.e., The Body of Christ

This is a body of believers wherein Christ is the head -- the one who is all and in all. [Note in Eph. 4:6b that the Father also is in all, and in Eph. 1:13, so is the Holy Spirit!]

It is a body wherein no nation has any advantage - no religious system has any advantage and no individual, whether bond or free, has any advantage. (Col. 3:11).

This body was created, historically, post-Acts, but elected "Before the foundation (overthrow) of the world." (Eph. 1:4): a paradox - outwardly - chosen from The Revealed Plan "since or from the foundation (overthrow) of the world" (Matt. 13:35), but secretly to fulfill God's "Hidden Purpose" (Eph. 1:4). In other words, we have an election from within the elect (Eph.2:10). Hence, considering all things historically, "The Mystery" is a parenthesis in The Revealed Plan, but when seen from God's ultimate purpose (see Eph. 1:9, 10; 3:11), it is vice versa.

"THE MYSTERY" Private Mail for the Saint (The Initiate) - Eph. 1:4; 3:8,9; Col. 1:25,26

There are other Greek words which also mean "a secret". However, (as will be seen), "the Mystery" meaning "a secret," is not a translation but rather a transliteration of the Greek word, "musterion" which is truly unique, that is, concerning the definition. Thus at the outset, here are a few facts which should be helpful as an overview for a complete understanding about the private mail in this context.

First and foremost, "the Mystery" (a body of many truths) is addressed to His saints (Col. 1:26) for Faith-Obedience in their walk (Eph. 2:10; Col. 2:6, 4:1-7). Hence, the response (the saint's personal faith), either yea or nay, demonstrates, "the initiate," those " chosen (elected) in Christ, before the foundation (Greek word, katabole, overthrow) of the world." (Eph.1:4). In other words, an election from within "the Elect" - - think about it!{C}

SOME DISTINCTIVE TRUTHS OF THE MYSTERY

1. To complete the Word of God (Col. 1:25, 26).
2. It exalts the saints, and seats them with Christ in the heavenlies. (Eph. 1:20- 21; 2:6). Hence, "for our conversation is in heaven; (out) from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; ...whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself" (Phil. 3:20- 21).
3. To share super-abundant riches of His grace, with kindness in the ages to come (Eph. 2:7).
4. Made complete in Christ, holy and without blame (Eph. 1:4, Col.2:10).
5. To know the love of God which passes all knowledge and understanding (Eph. 3:19; Phil. 4:7).
6. Brought into a corporate body under the Headship of Christ, where no person or nation has any advantage, for Christ is all and in all (Eph. 1:22, 23; Eph. 4:15, Col. 3:11).
7. A showcase to the hierarchy in the heavenlies (Eph. 3:10).
8. A partaker of all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ (Col. 2:3).