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The Bible Says
Two weeks ago we considered six mysteries disclosed by the Apostle Paul. Today we will center our thoughts on a 7th mystery, “The mystery of godliness.” Immediately three important factors loom before us. First, we are reminded that all godliness stems from Christ. There can be no godliness apart from Him. “Wherefore I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations; but now is made manifest to his saints: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:25-27). That God could change a wicked sinner into godly saint is a mystery never comprehended until Pentecost (Acts chapter four). Jesus said: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it see him not, neither knoweth him: but you know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:16,17).
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . .that He would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts, by faith . . .” (Ephesians 3:14,16,17). “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness. God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (I Timothy 3:16). In order to understand this difficult passage, it might be helpful if, in our minds, we think of Jesus Christ throughout the entire passage.
“He saith unto them, but whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him. Blessed art thou Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which art in heaven” (Matthew 16:15-17).
“For he hath made him (Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might become the righteousness of God in him” (II Corinthians 5:21). God is holy, righteous, and just. Were He to forgive sins that had not been atoned for, he would no longer be just. Because of Calvary, not only is the repentant sinner forgiven and justified, but God is justified in forgiving him.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:14,14).
“For from you sounded out the Word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to Godword is spread abroad, so that we need not to speak any thing” (I Thessalonians 1:8).
“No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:18). “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself; but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works” (John 14:9,
God revealed to Peter in a supernatural way that Gentiles as well as Jews, could be saved (Acts 10:44-48).
I carry a cross in my pocket
-- Author unknown |