By Evangelist John BJ Hall
In the Testament there is a mystery spread over three books, all of which are in the third chapter and sixteenth verse of their respective books. It is such a mystery that there are no other passages in the entire Bible which fit the pattern.
The first that we will look at is found in First Timothy. This verse is a part of the earliest formalized confession of the New Testament Church.
1 Timothy 3:16 (NASB) And by common confession great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Beheld by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.
This early confession is specifically about the One Who meets the criteria of the true Messiah. The “mystery of godliness” is this. Why would a Holy God separate and apart from creation because of the sin of mankind reveal Himself in such a way? Who is this one “who was revealed in the flesh …” There was only one. Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He was born in Bethlehem, baptized by John in the Jordan river and the Spirit of God descended on Him, proclaimed and believed throughout the world as the Christ, and then was taken up into glory.
The why of our previous passage is answered in the next.
John 3:16 (NASB) “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
It was because of His great love for those whom He had created, who then disobey the ONLY thing He commanded them not to do. That great mystery of love came for one purpose, and only one purpose. He came to provide a way for the fellowship to be restored between God and man, covering their sins under His atoning blood.
Finally we see the results of that love. His sacrifice was for two purposes.
1 John 3:16 (NASB) “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
The first of these purposes was for our salvation. The second purpose was as an example of how we are to deal with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Sacrificial love is to be a standard by which we live in this world.
The reason we know this is true is found in 1 Timothy 3:15 (NASB) “…I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”
Have you allowed the threefold mystery of God’s love to make a difference in your life? You can today. If you will believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God and confess with your mouth, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9-10)
When you do that the Mystery of God’s Love will be made clear to you by His Holy Spirit coming into your life to guide you in the ways of the Lord.
Love Walked
Behold what manner of love
Has come to us from above.
We never could deserve it
But with love our way is lit.
We despised this love so great
Though He stood outside the gate
He offered His true love to us
We in His love would not trust.
Love walked among men so long
He gave His love true and strong
While we cried to crucify Him
And He died there for our sin.
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