LIGHT OF DIVINE SECRETS (3)

“Because it has been given to you to know the MYSTERIES of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given” – Matthew 13:11

The LIGHT of DIVINE SECRETS encompasses but is not limited to the Mysteries of God’s Kingdom: “Because it has been given to you to know the MYSTERIES of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given” (Matt.13:11). Jesus said this to His disciples after speaking in parables. The word “Mystery” comes from the Greek word musterion, which according to the Greek lexicon, means, “hidden thing, secret, mystery...confided only to the initiated and not to ordinary mortals...” Vine’s Expository Dictionary says musterion denotes “that which, being outside the range of unassisted natural apprehension, can be made known only by divine revelation...in a manner and at a time appointed by God, and to those only who are illuminated by His Spirit.”

Mysteries are essentially tied to the prophetic realm because Amos 3:7 says, “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals HIS SECRET to His servants the PROPHETS.” Paul further described these as “Mystery of God” and “treasures of wisdom and knowledge”: “For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:1-3).

The Holy Spirit is the Revealer. He revealed Christ to our hearts and convicted us, drawing us to our Saviour. Following this, He wants to bring us to the knowledge of the Mystery of God, unlocking treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He reveals mysteries through His Word, through a still, small voice, or by the prophetic. The word mystery appears in the New Testament 26 times, and speaks of the Mystery of:

Christ: “Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the MYSTERY of CHRIST” (Col. 4:3a).

God’s Will: “Having made known to us the MYSTERY of HIS WILL...” (Eph. 1:9).

The Gospel: “That I may open my mouth boldly to make known the MYSTERY of the GOSPEL” (Eph. 6:19b)

Gentiles being grafted into the vine: “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of THIS MYSTERY...” (Rom. 11:24-25).

God’s Wisdom: “But we speak the WISDOM of GOD in a MYSTERY, the hidden wisdom...” (1 Cor. 2:7a)

The Resurrection of Believers: “Behold, I tell you a MYSTERY: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed” (1 Cor. 15:51).

Faith: “Holding the MYSTERY of FAITH with a pure conscience” (1 Tim. 3:9).

Godliness: “And without controversy great is the MYSTERY of GODLINESS...” (1Tim.3:16). Opposite is the mystery of iniquity (2 The. 2:7).