II TIMOTHY 3:16: “Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.” NASB

OBSERVATION: What is a mystery? A mystery is something that is unknown or something that cannot be known. However, in the Bible, a mystery is something that is known by God and to anyone to whom God chooses to reveal it.

Mysteries require revelation – an unveiling of God’s truth in the heart and mind of man through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Paul speaks of the mystery of godliness. The truth and life of Jesus Christ is not something that can be understood merely by intellectual assent. Although it can be affirmed historically, it requires revelation to be understood spiritually. Until one turns to God in sincere repentance this revelation of Jesus Christ remains a mystery.

Think about the life and claims of Jesus Christ from merely an intellectual point of view. The incarnation (the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, God entering the world as a human) does not make sense. It violates all the known principles of logic and science. The incarnation through the virgin birth seems to be merely a mythical tale created by misguided religious zealots.

Yet, it is this one key fact that all of the mystery of godliness hinges upon. He who was revealed in the flesh. The truth about the incarnation, of God coming to earth to live as a man, remains hidden from the intellectual as a mystery. It remains such until it is unveiled through faith by the Holy Spirit.

Through the eyes of faith, we are granted the full unveiling of this wonderful mystery. Not only was Jesus revealed in the flesh but as Paul continues,

• He was vindicated in the Spirit,
• Seen by angels,
• Proclaimed among the nations,
• Believed on in the world,
• Taken up in glory.”

The entirety of the Gospel accounts record this wonderful mystery.

Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, manifested the life, power, and nature of God here on earth.

Jesus, through His sacrificial death on the cross, and His miraculous rising from the dead, proclaimed the love of God and opened the way for mankind to enter into God’s Kingdom.

Jesus’ birth, life, ministry, and resurrection, were also proclaimed by the angels, at His incarnation, His birth, His life, His ministry, His death, His resurrection, and His ascension.

Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were proclaimed to the nations through the Gospel (Good News) – by men and women of faith whose eyes were opened to see and understand the mystery of godliness.

Jesus’ living testimony, through the life of the church, their transformed lives, and their willingness to gladly die for their faith is evidence of the validity and veracity of the Gospel’s message.

Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven was witnessed by hundreds of His followers It was there that the mystery of godliness came full circle. As the disciples gazed into heaven as Christ ascended, angels once again proclaimed His life as they did at His birth and His resurrection.

• “They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:10-11

The mystery of godliness is not finished. It has a final chapter. This chapter begins with the rapture of the church into the presence of Jesus Christ and culminates in the return of Jesus Christ to earth to establish His Eternal Kingdom.

These latter events, the events that we are hoping for, are hidden from the eyes of the world and revealed only to those who look upon Him with eyes of faith. To the believer they are not only a surety but the blessed hope of which the believer holds onto in the midst of this turbulent and dying world.

• “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” II Peter 3:13
• “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14

Lord, thank You for revealing to all who believe – the mystery of godliness. May I boldly proclaim this mystery so that others may turn to You in sincere repentance and faith and – SEE JESUS! Grant me the grace to live as one who is looking for the fulfillment of the mystery of godliness – the Blessed Hope of Jesus Christ’s return!

In Jesus’ Name!