What other scriptures connect with the "mystery" revealed in Colossians 1:26? Setting the Stage: Understanding the Word “Mystery” Colossians 1:26 calls the gospel “the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations, but now is revealed to His saints”. Scripture uses the word “mystery” for truths God concealed in earlier times but has now made clear through Christ. Spotlight Verse: Colossians 1:26–27 • “the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations, but now is revealed to His saints, to whom God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Connecting Threads in Scripture Below are key passages that echo, expand, or explain the same “mystery” theme: “the mystery made known to me by revelation… that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” “according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for ages past but now revealed and made known… so that all nations might believe and obey Him.” “we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God destined for our glory before time began… God has revealed it to us by the Spirit.” “that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” “He made known to us the mystery of His will… to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.” “This mystery is profound—but I am speaking about Christ and the church.” “Great indeed is the mystery of godliness: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit…” “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables.” • Daniel 2:28 (foreshadowing) “There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” Unpacking the Core Elements of the Mystery 1. Hidden in past ages – Prophets caught glimpses (Isaiah 49:6; Hosea 2:23) but didn’t see the full picture. 2. Revealed in Christ – God’s own Son comes in flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). 3. Inclusion of the Gentiles – Jew + Gentile become “one new man” (Ephesians 2:14-16). 4. Union with Christ – “Christ in you” (Colossians 1:27) means His life, righteousness, and glory reside in every believer. 5. A corporate people – The church, the body and bride of Christ, is the present display of this mystery (Ephesians 5:32). 6. Future fulfillment – All things united under Christ’s headship (Ephesians 1:10); our “hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Why This Matters for Us Today • Certainty—God’s plan is not guesswork; He always intended to bring us into His family. • Identity—Believers are literally indwelt by Christ, sharing His life now and His glory forever. • Unity—Ethnic, social, and cultural barriers crumble in the one body (Galatians 3:28). • Mission—The mystery is “revealed to His saints,” so we carry it to the nations (Romans 16:26). |
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