The Great Mystery

“And as everyone has to confess great is the mystery of godliness; He was manifested in the flesh . . . .” 1 Tim. 3:16. “[The two shall become] one flesh. This is a great mystery . . . .” Eph. 5:31-32.

The apostle says that everyone must confess that this is a great mystery. Be honest now, dear reader, and confess! If you’re not able to understand it, then believe it! But don’t do what some others unfortunately have done, warning against and condemning this amazing and powerfully edifying truth and warning against those who, by the grace and goodness of God, have had this truth revealed to them.

When Paul says that this is a great mystery of godliness, then everyone who doesn’t understand this mystery should be humble enough to acknowledge that the reason he is unable or unwilling to comprehend it must be that he is not sufficiently God-fearing.

By the fear of the Lord we depart from evil. Revelation over this great and precious mystery gives us abundant comfort and help to do just that. Most people, however, have so little interest in departing from evil that they have no use for such comfort and help. For this reason God is not pleased to reveal it to such people. That would be poor stewardship on His part. But God’s stewardship is just.

Most people have no intention of walking in the steps of Christ anyway, so what would they do with such a light? The revelation of this great mystery is the key to a victorious life. With this light we clearly understand the way of sanctification.