The Doctrine of the Bible 3 - Mystery

"How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;" (Ephesians 3:3-5)

The word mystery in the New Testament identifies truth that was previously hidden from common knowledge, but it is now revealed, discernible only by the aid of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 16:25-26; 1 Cor.2:7-10). There are seven aspects of "the mystery" concerning that period known as "the times of the Gentiles". These are:
1) The mystery of the incarnation (1 Cor. 2:7; Col.2:2,9);
2) The mystery of the gospel (Eph. 6:19);
3) The mystery of Christ and His church (Eph. 5:32);
4) The mystery of the indwelling of Christ (Col. 1:27);
5) The mystery of both Jews and Gentiles in one body (Eph. 3:1-12);
6) The mystery of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 13); and
7) The mystery of the Rapture (1 Cor. 15:51).
Illustration: Because the mystery of the gospel was not revealed clearly until after the church was established, the Devil and his demonic servants were the unwitting servants of God. Had they understood what they were doing, they would not have crucified the Lord (1 Cor. 2:8).
Application: The Christian, however, who understands the plan of God for this world, should be eager to do his part.