Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "majesty" refers to the supreme greatness and sovereign power of God. It is a term that encapsulates the awe-inspiring and transcendent nature of the Divine, often associated with God's glory, authority, and kingship. The majesty of God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing His unparalleled greatness and the reverence due to Him.The Psalms frequently highlight God's majesty. Psalm 93:1 declares, "The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved." This verse underscores God's sovereign rule and the stability that His majesty brings to creation. Similarly, Psalm 145:5 states, "I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wondrous works," inviting believers to reflect on the grandeur of God's nature and deeds. In the New Testament, the majesty of God is also evident in the person of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word." This passage affirms the divine majesty of Christ, who embodies the fullness of God's glory and authority. The majesty of God calls for a response of worship and reverence. In Revelation 4:11 , the heavenly hosts proclaim, "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." This acknowledgment of God's majesty is central to the worship of believers, who recognize His ultimate authority and creative power. Mystery In biblical terms, "mystery" refers to divine truths that were once hidden but have now been revealed through God's revelation. The concept of mystery is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, often relating to God's redemptive plan and the unfolding of His purposes in history. The Apostle Paul frequently uses the term "mystery" in his epistles to describe the revelation of God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. 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 fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights the mystery of the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's covenant promises, a truth that was previously concealed but is now made known through the gospel. The mystery of Christ encompasses the profound and gracious work of God in uniting all believers, Jew and Gentile, into one body through faith in Jesus. In Colossians 1:26-27 , Paul further elaborates on this theme: "the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Here, the mystery is the indwelling presence of Christ in believers, a source of hope and assurance of future glory. The concept of mystery in Scripture invites believers to a posture of humility and wonder, recognizing that God's ways and thoughts are higher than human understanding. While certain aspects of God's plan remain beyond human comprehension, the revealed mysteries of the gospel provide a foundation for faith and a glimpse into the divine wisdom and love of God. |