Mysteries
Of God
What are the mysteries of God, and to whom does He reveal them? Mysteries of God are spiritual truths known only by revelation. God reveals his mysteries to those who have faith in Him and are obedient to the gospel. (Those who will share such truths with others). Many of God’s mysteries are yet to be revealed, but there are certain mysteries that He makes know to His disciples. (The sent ones). There are many mysteries in God's word that will be open to you, if you study, research, and open your eyes and ears to the truth with a humble heart. They are hidden from the wise and prudent, but He will reveal them to you as His child if your a believer. (Psalm 25:8-9, Matthew 11:25, 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, 2:14, James 1:5, 1 John 2:27). In the old testament we learn the purpose of secret mysteries the Lord wants to reveal to us and pass on to others.
The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29). God has many secrets unknown to man. We are not accountable for any of these we do not know. (Romans 11:33-34). However, we are accountable for all that He has revealed to us. The more you know, the more you are held accountable for. (This knowledge is to be passed on to others). These mysteries may be know to you, but others may not understand them, so you will need to explain. (Matthew 13:11-13). Jesus explained to His disciples about making known certain mysteries, when they asked; why do you speak to the people in parables?
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (Matthew 13:11). The disciples were open, and wanted to learn the meaning of the mysteries. What are some of these mysteries about the kingdom of heaven? "The key of David." (Revelation 3:7-10). Changing into the spirit body at Christ's return. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). The mystery of Godliness. (1 Timothy 3:16). Are you familiar with any of these? You see, for some God unlocks the mysteries of the Kingdom, and some are blinded for their own protection. Why? Because even if they knew the truth, they can't handle it. They will not truly believe it enough to make a difference. They just set it aside and don't pass it on to others. "It withers away."
For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. (Matthew 13:12). If you search out truth, trust in God, He will give you all the truth you can handle. But, if you are not searching and listening for truth and shut your heart to God (Luke 9:26), you won't receive anything. You will even lose what little understanding you already have. (Matthew 25:29, Mark 4:24-25, Luke 8:18, Revelation 2:5, 3:15-16).
Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. (Matthew 13:13). Jesus spoke to them in parables because He knew the hearts of the people. They hear what Jesus is saying, but don't understand. (They don't really want to understand). Why? For the most part they have been blinded by the god of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
Lets go to the book of Romans and learn of a mystery that was kept before the world began. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began. (Romans 16:25). It is the glory of God that makes us strong, as the "Good News" says. The message of Jesus Christ has revealed His plan to the Gentiles. (Acts 15:12). A plan that has been kept secret from the beginning of time. What is this mystery? (Matthew 13:35). Jesus would open secrets in parables that were kept secret since the beginning of time, the foundation of the world. Foundation here is "Themelios" in the Greek; at a time of the "Katabole," or overthrow of Satan in the first earth age. (Ephesians 3:3-5). Not only that the gentiles are included in His plan of salvation, but the mystery of the first earth age. You can read of this mystery in our study topic "The three earth ages," and appendix 146 of the King James Companion Bible. Not all were meant to understand, but now He gives us understanding through the Holy Spirit.
What about the mystery in the garden? Did Adam and Eve eat from the apple tree? Not quite... That is an old wives tale that many believe till this day. In short, this is what happened. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. (Genesis 3:6). The woman was convinced by Satan and he was beautiful in her eyes. The lust of the flesh gave her the desire for wisdom, and she gave into Satan. "Eve had a sexual relation with Satan." (2 Corinthians 11:3). "Then Adam partook." (1 John 2:16). Yes, Adam had a sexual relationship with Satan also. (Not so hard to believe). However, it could have been that Satan "transformed himself" into a woman, and Adam had sex with her. (You decide what would make sense). (Either way, Adam did partake and was seduced by the serpent just as Eve was). Eve was deceived and Adam followed along. (1 Timothy 2:14). Sometimes men think with the wrong head. (Romans 5:12).
And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. (Genesis 3:7). After their sexual relationship with Satan, at that moment their eyes were opened to sin and they suddenly felt the shame in their nakedness. So, they sewed "fig leaves" together to cover their private parts. Yes, it was a fig tree! (Nothing to do with an apple tree). Back in chapter 2, they were both naked and not ashamed. Now they both experienced guilt and needed to cover their nakedness. For a more in-depth study, read out study topic titles "Back To The Garden," to find out what got Adam and Eve in so much trouble.
Here is another mystery (The Kingdom Mystery), about believers entering the kingdom of God. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (1 Corinthians 15:50). You can’t enter the Kingdom of God with an earthly corrupted body. (It is a spiritual transition). Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (1 Corinthians 15:51). The secret Paul is revealing here is that; we may not all die and experience physical death, but we will all be transformed. Again, a spiritual transition. (1 Corinthians 15:52). In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:52). The last trump "the seventh trump." (Revelation 8:2). We will be raised to live forever. (Revelation 11:15). For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:53). Mortal is liable to die. We will be transformed into immortal. However, there is the second death for those who would rather follow Satan. (Matthew 10:28, Revelation 20). Related study topic: Where Are The Dead.
Mysteries would be opened to all believers. Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints. (Colossians 1:26). These mysteries kept secret for centuries and generations past (hidden for ages), would now be opened to those who love Him. (Romans 16:25, 1 Corinthians 2:7, Ephesians 3:9). To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27). The mystery that Christ in your hearts is your only hope of glory. But, there is a deeper meaning of the mystery here, and it would be opened to everyone who believes. The mystery would be explained by Christ in (Matthew 13:35-39, John 8:44). The tares and children of the devil. The two churches, Smyrna and Philadelphia knew the mystery. (Revelations 2:10, 3:7). Both also having the "Key of David." (Genealogy of Christ), and the mystery of the "Kenites." (Children of Satan). Read our newsletter study topic titled "The Key of David," and Sons of Cain," for a better understanding.
Paul would sum it up by saying: That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ. (Colossians 2:2). Paul asked God that the disciples would be encouraged and strong in love and have the full understanding about His secret plan. "It is made known in Christ Himself." Understand Christ and His word and all secrets will be opened to you.
Keep The Faith,Barton