How A New Testament Mystery Can Shine A Light In Today’s Dark World

For as long as I can remember, I have loved to read. Mysteries remain my top choice for “fun” reading. Apparently I’m not alone. Mystery books have always sold well ~ especially since many have been converted to television or movie series. 

The word mystery actually means anything that is kept secret or unknown. In the case of a novel, play, television show, or movie, the mystery is unveiled at the end of the story. Those of us who love mystery stories also love the process of solving the puzzle and identifying the murderer. 

Imagine my delight when I discovered the word mystery appears in the Bible. In fact, the Apostle Paul used the word twenty-one times in his letters. The use of the word mystery in the New Testament refers to the revelation of a truth which had previously been hidden. 

For example, in his letter to the Ephesians he writes:

In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 6:4-6 NIV)

In this passage, Paul unveils a new truth: the Gentile believers now experience the same privileges as the Israelites. Prior to this revelation, the Jewish people had a history of being exclusive. They had been taught to separate themselves from the other cultures around them. The Old Testament law commanded them to not intermarry with other people or to engage in their pagan worship (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). 

God’s law intended to create and protect His chosen people. Ultimately, He intended for His people to bless all peoples of the earth (Genesis 12:2-3). Unfortunately the Jews had lost God’s heart and looked on Gentiles with disdain. 

With the revealing of this mystery, any barriers between the Gentile and Jewish believers disappeared. As members of the same spiritual family, Gentiles are coheirs with the Israelites. Together, Jewish and Gentile believers form the church body, and they share equally in the promises of Jesus.

Such a revelation would have comforted the Gentiles, but challenged the Jewish believers. It can be difficult for any of us to let go of long-standing beliefs. But the mystery revealed in these Scriptures remains true today. 

As Jesus prayed:

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20-21 NIV)

We live in a very decisive world. While there are areas where, as believers, we can not compromise, there are many more issues where we can agree to disagree. If as believers we can model how to stay unified, despite these differences, we will be a great light to the world. 

It starts by remembering we are equal members in our spiritual family and treating one another with love and respect. 

As we continue our journey through life, let’s reveal to the world a new mystery: how to stay unified even when we disagree. And may the world around us know we follow Jesus, the One whom God sent.