Sermon

The concept of mystery has long fascinated humanity. We love puzzles, riddles, and things that make us stop and wonder. Whether it’s a great mystery novel, an unsolved historical enigma, or even personal struggles, we often find ourselves drawn to things that are shrouded in mystery. But when it comes to Jesus Christ, the “mystery” isn’t just something to be solved; it’s a divine revelation to be embraced.

In the Bible, the mystery of Christ is mentioned multiple times, especially in the writings of Paul. In Ephesians 3:4-6, Paul writes: “In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men 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.”

This mystery is not hidden for the sake of concealment, but it is a truth that was once veiled and has now been made manifest. It’s a revelation of God’s eternal plan, one that brings unity and salvation through Jesus Christ. Let’s take a closer look at the mystery of Christ, what it means for us, and why it’s so central to our faith.

The Mystery Revealed: Christ as the Fulfillment of God’s Plan

The mystery of Christ begins with God’s eternal purpose. From the beginning of time, God had a plan to redeem humanity. The prophets spoke of a Messiah who would come, bringing salvation not only to the Jewish people but to the entire world. Yet, even though the Old Testament hints at this coming Savior, the full understanding of God’s plan was not immediately clear.

This mystery was progressively revealed throughout history. In the Old Testament, God’s people waited in anticipation for a Savior who would restore them, but the specifics of how this would happen remained hidden. It wasn’t until the arrival of Jesus Christ that the mystery began to be unveiled. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus revealed the fullness of God’s plan of salvation.

Paul explains in Colossians 1:26-27, “The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people… which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The mystery is not merely an event or an idea; it is a person—Jesus Christ. He is the fulfillment of God’s promises, the embodiment of God’s love and grace. Through Him, the way of salvation has been opened to all people, regardless of background or heritage.

Christ in You: The Mystery of the Indwelling Spirit

One of the most remarkable aspects of the mystery of Christ is what it means for us today. Paul says in Colossians 1:27 that this mystery is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This is a powerful truth: Christ does not just dwell in heaven or in history; He comes to live in us through the Holy Spirit. This indwelling presence is the hope of our future glory.

To have Christ living in us means we are not left to navigate life on our own. The same Christ who walked on earth, healed the sick, raised the dead, and conquered the grave is now with us through His Spirit. He empowers us to live in the fullness of His grace, to live with hope, and to serve others with the love He showed us. This is the mystery of the Gospel—God not only came to us in the person of Jesus, but He now comes to dwell within us through the Holy Spirit.

The Mystery of Unity in Christ

Another crucial aspect of the mystery of Christ is the unity He brings to all believers. In Ephesians 3:6, Paul reveals that through Christ, “the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” Before Christ, there was a deep divide between Jews and Gentiles, the chosen people of Israel and the rest of the world. But through Jesus, the dividing wall has been torn down. In Christ, all believers are united, regardless of their past, their ethnicity, or their background.

This unity is one of the most profound elements of the mystery of Christ. The Church, made up of people from all walks of life, is called to reflect the reconciliation and unity that Jesus has made possible. The mystery of Christ is not just about personal salvation—it’s about a global, spiritual family that transcends race, nationality, and cultural barriers. This is the beauty of the Gospel—it unites people in Christ, making us one body, one family, with one purpose: to glorify God.

The Mystery Continues: A Revelation to Be Lived

While the mystery of Christ has been revealed, there is still an ongoing unfolding of that mystery in the lives of believers. The more we walk with Christ, the more we discover His depths. The mystery of Christ is not a static truth but a living, breathing reality that continues to shape our lives. Every day, as we open our hearts and minds to Him, we discover new layers of His love, His grace, and His calling on our lives.

Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:17-18 that believers would have their hearts enlightened to fully understand “the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.” The mystery of Christ is one that deepens as we grow in our relationship with Him. As we seek to know Him more, He reveals more of Himself to us, filling us with wisdom and understanding.

Conclusion: Embrace the Mystery

The mystery of Christ is the greatest revelation the world has ever known. It is a mystery that was hidden for ages, but now it has been made known through the person of Jesus Christ. He is the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan, the embodiment of grace, and the hope of glory within us.

As believers, we are invited to embrace this mystery—not just as an intellectual understanding, but as a living reality. Christ lives in us, He unites us with other believers, and He continues to reveal Himself to us every day. The mystery of Christ is not meant to be a riddle to be solved, but a truth to be experienced, lived, and shared with the world.

So, let us dive deeper into this mystery. Let us seek Christ with all our hearts and allow His presence to transform us. The mystery of Christ is not just a truth to be known; it is a reality to be lived. May we embrace this mystery with awe, with reverence, and with a commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly.