The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints (Colossians 1:26, ESV).
Some believe the modern “mystery” began with Edgar Allen Poe’s The Murders of the Rue Morgue. Others think that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, with his fictional character Sherlock Holmes, originated “mysteries” as a hugely popular genre.
Pastor Grant believes it all began in the New Testament.
Our English word “mystery” comes from a Greek word that’s used 28 times in the New Testament. The word in the Greek translated as “mystery,” doesn’t mean “unknown” but “knowledge revealed.”
The Apostle Paul writes about his calling…
I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints (Colossians 1:25-26).
Some may read Agatha Christie, John Grisham, John LeCarre, or C.J. Box, but the Gospel, written by the Author of the universe, is the greatest mystery ever revealed.
In an earthly mystery, we find a closed circle of suspects, each with a credible motive and opportunity and a central character who solves the crime. In the Gospel, we have good versus evil, the seemingly overwhelming problem of sin, and finally, salvation through the central figure in all of history.
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory (1 Timothy 3:16).
We can combine Hercule Poirot, Jessica Fletcher, Perry Mason, and all the Hardy Boys, but without the revelation of Jesus, all together, they can’t figure out the mystery of sin, salvation, and eternity. The power of human deduction fails against the complexities of light versus darkness.
The hubris of pride considers it possible to solve evil, death, justice, and world peace. But this great mystery has been revealed in Jesus…
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).
Mystery in the Bible is solved completely. We know our problem and solution. We know our enemy and Savior. We know our choices for eternity. And we know a glory that will surpass our earthly trials.
My wife and I enjoy watching Cozy Mysteries, which are a subgenre of mysteries.
Typically, a murder that occurred in a small quaint village is solved by an inconsequential and ridiculed detective. At the end of the program, though seemingly bumbling, this detective surprises everyone with superior deductions that solve the crime.
The world’s wisdom creates a superiority of philosophy that laughs at the mystery of the Gospel. Let’s consider…
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:21, NIV).
Amen!