RD 101 - The Mystery #2

By Jack Eberle

Though much has been written on “The Mystery”, still it can be considered as one of the most neglected topics of Scriptures.

To study the topic in depth, consult the studies of C. H. Welch, E.W.Bullinger, Stuart Allen, Oscar Baker, and our own dear Joe Watkins. These men have spent their lives in the Scriptures, and have seen the truths of “The Mystery” as no others. Here, we will try just to make a few outstanding points.

Ephesians 3:9 states “to enlighten all what the administration of the mystery…” God wants all to see The Mystery. It is not His intention that the mystery should remain a mystery after He gave Paul his second commission. The words, “Great Commission” are not found in the Scriptures, but if there were a “Great Commission”, these words of Eph. 3:9 certainly qualify to make this it. Paul certainly “combated the good combat” to carry out this commission.

God wants all men to see “The Mystery”. Col. 1:27 states, “To whom God did will to make known what the riches of the glory of this mystery…”Eph. 1:9, “Having made known to us The Mystery of His Will…” There are no privileges for Jews and Gentiles today. All have the privilege to choose God’s grace and to be in the Body of the Christ. The Jews were set aside at Acts 28:28, but individually they will have the choice to be in “The Body”. (Eph. 1:22-23) The revelation was made to Paul, but he is to “enlighten all men” through God’s working.

After Paul’s writing of “The Mystery”, there was no more Scripture to be written. Read Col. 1:25, “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you (Gentiles) to COMPLETE the word of God.” The subject of Paul’s last 7 epistles is the completion of God’s Holy Word. The Colossians and the Gentiles were greatly privileged. The Mystery was the last revealed administration of the will of God.

The administration of “Thy Mystery” was in the mind of God before time began in Gen. 1:14. Eph. 1:4 states that He chose us (His body) in Him before the “casting down of the world system”. This occurred between Gen. 1:1 and 1:2. God was making up His plan, and we were in it. This plan of the ages has been working with God’s will behind it for the centuries of our earth’s existence. Before the creation was finished God made His plan of the ages.

We have been blessed as believers and members of that body to have had The God of Creation, The Father of The Son Who is the Head of His body, the church, the assembly, the called out group who acknowledge His Headship, to have His blessed Word.