This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.
Summary: Mysteries are mysterious for a reason. Paul seems to be pointing us to the answer to the mystery while, at the same time, asking us to solve it.
This topic Paul has been discussing is far more mysterious than an ordinary mystery. It is a “profound” mystery.
What is meant by Paul’s word for “profound” is something so vast as to be beyond measure. What is meant by “mystery” is much more than curiosity. It is knowledge that is as serious as a heart attack. It is the kind of knowledge given to people in the most solemn of ceremonies.
What is Paul talking about? What is so profound as to be beyond our comprehension? What is such a great secret that it can only be passed on under the strictest conditions?
There is a connection between all things that exist, whether visible or invisible. When Paul talks about the relationship between husbands and wives and compares that to the relationship between Christ and his church, he refers to that connection. When Paul refers to the body of Christ and Jesus being the head of the body, he points to the same connection.
Take a walk on the beach when you can, and next time you do, pick up a sea shell. Stop, take a slow, deep breath, and listen to the ocean waves for a minute. Look around at the horizon line where the ocean meets the sky and pause again. Think about that line, that thin, almost invisible connection point between water and air.
Now, with the shell resting in the palm of your hand, look at it closely. Examine its color. Note the shape of the shell. Are there patterns or designs on it? Is it cracked or broken? Is there something living inside?
Once you have examined the shell, turn it in your hand. Look at the other side or point it in a different direction. Examine it again. Does it look the same or different? Do you see more or less of the shell? Does the change in direction reflect light differently? Do you see anything new about the shell that was not visible before?
Now, look at the ocean again. Do you see the connection between the shell and the ocean?
The reason Paul seemingly goes over the same thing again and again is like the shell. He wants us to examine what he is showing us. He keeps pointing us to different metaphors because he wants us to see them from different angles. Finally, Paul wants us to make the connection between marriage, the church, and Jesus Christ himself.
Application: Take a hike!
Food for Thought: What does mystery add to our understanding of Christ and the church?
09-22-2023, What does mystery add to our understanding of Christ and the church?
In the New Testament a mystery is something that had at one time been hidden but is now revealed to God’s people. Jesus spoke of the mystery of the kingdom of God. Mark 4:11
A mystery is a truth “which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Holy Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets” Ephesians 3:5. In his Epistles, the apostle Paul uses the word mystery 21 times. In each case, the “mystery” involved a wonderful declaration of spiritual truth, revealed by God through divine inspiration.
The purpose is that the church may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING, in order that they may know the mystery of God, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” Colossians 2:2–3
At every stage of our wonderful transformation, we are who we are because our God has opened our spiritual eyes to a previously unknown mystery,
Ron,
I love how you categorize “mystery” as a “wonderful declaration of spiritual truth, revealed by God through divine inspiration.” That is an “inspired” definition! Thank you!
I really like your analogy today of the sea shell and the ocean. I also like the application of “take a hike.” Many people have given me that advice over the years 😊.
I also agree with R2T2’s comment. A mystery is just something waiting to be revealed. Jesus loves His bride, the church. To me the extent to which He does is a mystery because I can’t seem to completely grasp it. But I believe I will someday when we see Him face to face.
Rich,
So you’ve heard my admonition before??? 🙂
A mystery is definitely something that can be just beyond our grasp, and I think it is important for us to consider that reality now and then.
All I know is: His mystery is His grace. What we do not know serves to protect us, help us to grow, until the day we can stand before Him in the full measure of His glory.
Proverbs 24:
11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death;
hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
12 If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,
and will he not repay man according to his work?
13 My son, eat honey, for it is good,
and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
if you find it, there will be a future,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Chris,
Your answer, “His mystery is His grace,” is both true and poetic.
Thank you!
Jeff, good study. Thanks for all your work on this.
Thank you, Paul!!
I appreciate the encouragement!
Thank you all for your comments today. I want to add a comment of my own this evening about the concept of “mystery.”
I used to strive to understand the Bible as an engineer would, dissecting and analyzing each part in the belief that the human mind can comprehend God.
I don’t think that way anymore.
I have come to understand that, at least for me, there needs to be a bit if mystery in the Bible simply because we have limited access to the spiritual realm while we are in the flesh.
As I understand Paul’s comment in this passage, the word “mystery” suggests something that is both known and mysterious at the same time. It is also a deeply solemn truth.
Acknowledging a mystery of this type requires that we approach God’s Word with deep humility and a willingness to accept truths that we cannot understand. Some might call it a “leap of faith,” but as I have come to understand the concept, it is more an expression of trust and love.
Appreciate your great addition Jeff!
Thanks,
Ron