"THE MYSTERY" Its Reality, The Practical Side (Ephesians Chapters 4 through 6)
Since The Mvstery is a body of many truths addressed to God's people (Col. 1:26), the practical side would of necessity have to do with the walk. "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him." (Col. 2:6) The instructions in this context are no less forthright: "Work out your own salvation (deliverance) for it is God who is energizing you to His purposes." (Phil. 2:12, 13 and 16). The walk that is worthy begins in meekness and endeavors to keep (not create) the unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:1-3). Thus, Faith-Obedience in the walk turns on seven distinct fundamental points of stewardship (Eph. 4:4-6). These seven points will be discussed at the end of this article.{C}{C}{C}{C}
"THE MYSTERY" - Its Prophetic Content (I Tim. 4:1-5; II Tim. 3:1-9) PART I. "Now the Spirit in spoken words says that in the latter times (specific) some will depart (apostasize) the faith, attending to seducing (planetary) spirits and teachings of demons, in men of hypocrisy speaking lies having been branded on their own conscience; forbidding to marry, to abstain from foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them who believe and know the truth. Because every creature is good and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer." (Free Translation - I Tim. 4:1-5 - very literal.)
THE OUT-FROM RESURRECTION Philippians 3:11
That God is sovereign is a fact beyond dispute, for the scriptures declare it in hundreds of ways. Likewise, the free moral agency of man is also declared beyond question. Consequently, the differences of Calvinism and Arminianism are varied, and both have plenty of scripture to support their views. Hence, to avoid the problem many hold that these two positions are but two lines of teaching in scripture that run side by side but never meet. Many settle the matter by Abraham's statement: "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (Gen. 18:25){C}
"THE MYSTERY"- God's Sacred Secret To Complete the Word of God (Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:25,26) vs.25 "...I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you to fulfil the word of God; vs. 26..The mystery which hath been hidden from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints:" (Col. 1:25- 26). Translators in the main have selected the English word, "fulfill" or its equivalent, rather than the English word, "complete" (vs. 25). According to "Webster's New World Dictionary," (1968), the English word, "fulfill," means to carry out something promised, desired, expected, predicted, etc. To say the least, The Mystery was never promised, expected, etc. Consequently, to use the English, "fulfill," is like the blind leading the blind. It is said, "translators follow translators," a form of brainwashing. A case in point: The Douay Version of the Holy Bible, (which is an English translation of the Vulgate used by Roman Catholics) uses the word, "fulfill" (1578). The King James' Version, a Protestant version (1611), also uses "fulfill" -- you be the judge!{C}