If you are familiar with Paul’s writings, you know that he often referred to the “mystery of God.” This mystery to which he referred was hidden throughout the ages.
Romans 16:25 (ESV)
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages.
This mystery was God’s plan of salvation, revealed by the Spirit to Paul and the other apostles and prophets of the New Testament.
Ephesians 3:1–3 (ESV)
1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
In another place, Paul refers to this mystery as the gospel.
Ephesians 6:19 (ESV)
19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
The gospel concerns Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:4). This is what God planned before the foundation of the world, that is, that He would reconcile mankind to Himself by sending His Son to die on the cross, be buried in a tomb, and raised to the newness of life. Before this plan was revealed, even the angels desired to know how God would redeem man (1 Peter 1:10-12).
What a blessing it is to live in an age in which this mystery has been fully revealed. A part of this mystery is that the gospel is for all, both Jews and Gentiles, with special emphasis on the Gentiles being fellow heirs with the Jews, being members of the same body and partakers of the same promises (Ephesians 3:6). Perhaps the greatest aspect of this mystery for us is the hope that it has revealed.
Colossians 1:27 (ESV)
27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
The heart of this mystery is that salvation is secured by Christ living in us. Christ dwells in our hearts by faith (Ephesians 3:17), and the result of this is the hope of glory. The hope of glory refers to the glorification of our bodies (Romans 8:18). This began when we obeyed the gospel and started imitating Christ and developing His characteristics, which is what it really means to be a Christian. Becoming like Christ now leads to becoming like Him later. This is how John refers to our hope of glory.
1 John 3:2–3 (ESV)
2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
What does John mean when he says that we should be like him? Paul tells us.
Philippians 3:21 (NKJV)
21 Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
We should all be thrilled that this mystery has now been revealed, and as John said, it should lead us to live purified lives.
As you wind down for the night, think about these things.