The Mystery of Christ

Speak the mystery of Christ, Colossians 4:3

What is the mystery of Christ?

I Corinthians 2:7-8, But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

The mystery is the mission and work of God’s Messiah, Jesus, which was not expected.

But… it is now known to us!

I Corinthians 2:9-10, as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.

The Christ was on a mission and when completed, He returned to Heaven.

I Timothy 3:16, And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.

The mystery is that Jesus was on a mission other than what was anticipated or wanted.  He fulfilled the promise of One coming from God but He did not come as David, rather on God’s mission.

The Mystery of Chris, His mission, has these elements:

1. The Christ is God – “I AM” seven times in John – “before Abraham”, John 8:58

John 10:30, I and Father are one (John 1:1-3, 14); Ps 110:1, Lord to my Lord
Too often think God of the NT is kinder, gentler, sweeter, Santa, compassionate, friendly
–But Christ is God and He is angry with the wicked every day, Psalm 7:11!
–He deals! Noah’s flood – destroyed all, Jericho – kill all, kill all Amalek, I Samuel 15:2-3, 33
Psalm 2:12, Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

2. The Christ is a perfect Human – born of woman, Luke 2:5-7

Virgin born, not of a male! Luke 1:31-34
Not under the curse and sinless – the second Adam (Romans 4:12-19), the last Adam (I Corinthians 15:4)
Palm Sunday He was presented and then carefully scrutinized and no flaw or fault was found.

3. The Christ, anointed by God – when baptized, marked by voice and the Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17)

Matthew 16:16, Peter’s declaration from God: “The Christ, the Son of living God!”
He fulfilled ALL the Old Testament, kept ALL the Law – every jot and tittle! Matt. 5:17-18
He revealed the Father (John 14:7) and announced the Kingdom (Mark 1:15).

4. The Christ was on Mission to Die so to Redeem. God’s LAMB – John 1:29, Behold the Lamb!

Came to suffer and die – I Peter 1:10, Isaiah 53:5-6 – Willed to die (John 10:18)
Died for others – Daniel 9:26, “but not for Himself”
Raised from the tomb – proof that His death was acceptable by God

5. The Christ came for a bride – to establish the church of Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:19-20; 3:4-5)

In a New Covenant/Testament – a new marriage agreement (Israel set aside, Romans 9)
If you love Him, then you will love His Father, His Word, His family, His past/future, His enemies

6. The Christ intro’d the Holy Spirit – “another Comforter”, John 14:16

To indwell His people – “Christ in you”, Colossians 1:27-28
Submit to the Spirit – be filled (Eph. 5:15); don’t quench (I Thess. 5:19); don’t grieve (Eph. 4:30)

7. The Christ invited men into His glory by faith (John 17:22)

Matthew 11:28, take My yoke
Luke 9:23 – deny, take cross daily, follow (9:24-25), lose his life (9:26), not ashamed

The Mystery of Christ is that He precisely fulfilled the Father’s will (John 17:4) but He did not fulfill man’s will or hope – YET!

Thus, His work was a mystery until after He finished and then it was explained that we might know and embrace Him and His plan giving hope and joy!