LESSON 1 – THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST

OVERVIEW

This lesson emphasizes the significance of understanding the Mystery of Christ for your life and for the Body of Christ as a whole. It highlights hindrances to a complete revelation of this Mystery and brings to the forefront God’s wisdom and method for enlightening His Body about His plan of salvation from start to finish.

As beliefs are challenged and questions arise, the various activities and opportunities for self-examination serve as avenues for deep study to address them. It is expected that you will come to a place of deciding how this mystery relates to you and others.

OBJECTIVES

During this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Explain the concept of the Mystery of Christ: Students should be able to articulate a clear understanding of what the Mystery of Christ entails, including its:
2. definition
3. significance
4. Implications
5. Analyze the components of the Mystery of Christ: Students should be able to dissect the various components of the Mystery of Christ:
6. Plan of Salvation
7. Operation of Salvation
8. Manifestation of Salvation
9. Hope of Salvation

The student must be able to understand how these interrelate.

1. Examine scriptural foundations about the Mystery of Christ: Students should be able to identify and interpret key biblical passages related to the Mystery of Christ, such as Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:26-27, and 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, to gain a deeper understanding of its scriptural basis.
2. Evaluate the role of the Church in the Mystery of Christ: Students should be able to discuss the significance of the Church in the unfolding of the Mystery of Christ and understand its role in the preaching of the gospel as per the revelation of this mystery, the responsibility of manifesting the power of this mystery, and a continued walk that reveals this great salvation.
3. Discuss the requirements for Christian living: Students should be able to reflect on how the Mystery of Christ informs and shapes the lives of believers, including the call to righteousness, purity, and perseverance in faith.
4. Illustrate the significance of relevant concepts to personal faith: Students should be able to apply the insights gained from studying the Mystery of Christ to their own lives as evidence of their relevance and importance. They consider how the concepts impact their understanding of salvation, their relationship with God, and their hope for the future.

PREPARATION ACTIVITY

In starting your study based on the objectives, let us check how ready you are for the experience that Lesson 1 will provide.

Activity 1.1

1. Examine the images below and use them to explain as best as you can, their relevance to the meaning of the terms: mystery, salvation, and fellowship.
2. After sharing your answer with at least one (1) person, compare your perspective of each term, with the one presented in the glossary provided. (Bank’s Expository found in the “The Bible Teacher” app)

WHAT IS A MYSTERY?

Ephesians 3:9

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ

According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, the word mystery means “a secret” or “to shut the mouth.” It is something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain. The phraseology “shut the mouth” is used to describe the reality that someone can neither freely nor confidently speak about something that has not been revealed to them. When something is mysterious it causes you to wonder or think, more than speak.

THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST

The Mystery of Christ therefore can only be known if it is revealed. When the scriptures refer to "the mystery," they are referring to God's secret concerning the plan, operation, manifestation, and hope of salvation. Let us look further into the meaning of each aspect of the mystery.

1. Plan of Salvation: God’s design for how salvation would come about and what it would achieve.
2. Operation of Salvation: What God did and continues to do to execute the plan.
3. Manifestation of Salvation: The evidence of the transformative work of salvation, as seen through a newfound godly life.
4. Hope of Salvation: The rewards bestowed upon those who exemplify the transformative power of salvation until the end.

These four aspects together outline the Mystery of Christ. The mystery began with a plan, then at the appointed time, God brought the plan into fruition (operation), and it is manifested among us today. Finally it concludes with the reward of glory at Christ’s return. Salvation is the Mystery of Christ!

Activity 1.2 - Use the Bible Teacher App, to search for an answer to these questions: (a) What is the definition of salvation? (b) What aspect/s of the Mystery does it highlight?

This Mystery of Christ remained hidden in God until the formation of the Church. In fact, the word “mystery” does not occur in scripture until we reach the New Testament. In all but four of the scriptures where it is found, it makes reference to the Mystery of Christ.

Ephesians 3:2-5

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

The Mystery of Christ is pivotal for the sons of God to fulfill their divine calling. In his letter to the Ephesian Church, Apostle Paul emphasized the importance of grasping the revelation of this mystery, which he received directly from God. He underscored that this revelation was exclusively disclosed to the holy apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit. Apostles were tasked with imparting this revelation to the Church, while prophets were responsible for affirming it.

Throughout the writings of the New Testament, the scriptures referred to the Mystery of Christ by various names, such as the Mystery of God and the Mystery of Godliness, indicating their interchangeability and unity. In fact, there are seven other interchangeable phrases for the Mystery of Christ found in scriptures. Can you identify them?

Activity 1.3 - Find the scripture verses where each term is found, and indicate which category they lean towards more: the plan, operation, manifestation, or hope of salvation.

Terms

Bible Verses

Plan, Operation, Manifestation or Hope

Mystery of Christ

Mystery of God

Mystery of Godliness

The Mystery

Mystery of the Father

Mystery of the Faith

Mystery Among the Gentiles

Mystery of the Gospel

Mystery of His Will

Mystery of the Kingdom of God

Do you see how they all relate? If so, explain.

THE PLAN OF SALVATION

• God’s secret strategy of how He would bring about the salvation (redemption) of mankind. It is His grand design to rescue mankind from the bondage of sin and transform them into His Children, through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:9

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

The scripture above provides further clarification on what the Mystery of Christ truly is. The word "fellowship," in a general sense, denotes communion, community, and joint participation. The "fellowship" of the mystery refers to a community of people, (Church, or Body of Christ), who partake in the same mystery, or rather, the Church itself, is the mystery.

The Church is that community of people who were chosen and hidden in God before the foundations of the world. In devising His plan, God selected a few among the souls of men to be transformed into His children. Through an eternal operation, He predestined these individuals to be in Him before their earthly existence.

However, upon their arrival, they did not manifest as children of God, but as offspring of Adam and the devil—lost and ensnared by sin. They needed a Savior - His name is Jesus, the Christ. Through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, the debt of sin was settled, and the authority to reclaim the lost was secured.

Beginning on the day of Pentecost, with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God commenced the restoration of the members of the fellowship. Thus, when one receives the Holy Spirit, it is a manifestation that they were with God before the world began. Oh, what a mystery!

Activity 1.4 - Find 2 scriptures that indicate that the sons of God existed before the world began.

Scripture 1

Scripture 2

Ephesians 3:10

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.

It was crucial for God to keep this plan secret until the appointed time, because if He did not, the enemy would have gained an opportunity to thwart the plan. So He hid it in Himself, and when the time was right, He brought His plan into motion, catching principalities and powers off guard.

The Church stands as undeniable evidence of God's wisdom. Despite the enemy's efforts to conquer God's creation, God had a preordained plan—a plan of redemption aimed at unveiling His most concealed secret: His children. Today, He continues to redeem His scattered people, transforming them into His sons through the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

(For a deeper understanding of the eternal nature of the Church, consider exploring our courses on Eternity.)

THE OPERATION OF SALVATION

• The mysterious work that God performs to save a soul. Having sent Jesus to die for sins and raised him from the dead, He now returns in the bodies of the believers.

Colossians 1:26-27

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

The scripture above reveals that the mystery of Christ pertains to Christ’s indwelling presence within born-again believers. It’s the astonishing reality that, despite outward appearances, it is Christ who resides within their bodies. However, the precise manner in which He enters the bodies of the saints remains shrouded in mystery.

Although the infilling of the Holy Spirit occurs instantaneously, there are a number of divine actions that God undertakes within that fleeting moment. In later parts of this series, we will delve into a detailed examination of these divine actions that occur at the moment of salvation.

THE MANIFESTATION OF SALVATION

• The life of Christ that is now expressed through the bodies of the believers after the reception of the Holy Ghost.

After the reception of the Holy Ghost, there will be an evident change in the lifestyle of the individual. Their actions, thoughts, emotions and desires will be completely different than what they were previously. This is because they have been given a new life - the life of Christ. The lifestyle one lives after receiving the Holy Spirit will reflect the presence of Christ within.

Having received the Holy Spirit, it is God’s desire to use the believers, to continue to unveil His wisdom. God wants to prove to principalities and powers the power of His salvation, so He allows them to bring trials and temptations for the saints to endure. However, Christ’s presence coupled with the influence of God in their hearts, equips believers with the power to triumph over any adversity brought forth by the devil. The life of Christ must be manifested in the life of the believer in order for them to make it to Heaven, and this manifestation is solely achieved through obedience to God’s Word.

THE HOPE OF SALVATION

• The reward given to the saints who patiently endure in righteousness till the end.

The day of Pentecost marked the moment in time that the mystery began. It was the first day the Holy Spirit entered the bodies of believers. There will come a time however, when the mystery will come to an end.

Revelation 10:7

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

Bear in mind that the Mystery of Christ refers to His hidden presence in the saints. Thus, the mystery is finished, when He exposes to all creation that He was in the saints all along. When Christ returns for His Church, they will be transformed, and their appearance will reflect His presence within.

Apostle John saw the mystery finished at the sounding of the seventh trumpet. The events initiated by the blowing of the seventh trumpet (as revealed in Revelation chapters 13 and 14), concludes with the Rapture of the Church. The Apostle Paul also confirms the time of this event in his writings to the Corinthians.

I Corinthians 15:51-54

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

The mystery of Christ encompasses the presence of the sons of God on earth, thus it begins and ends with the Church. Those who persevere until the end will be rewarded for their steadfast commitment to righteousness - this is the Christian hope.

The Christian hope is the expectation to be changed into a glorious, celestial, and immortal state upon Christ’s return.

1 John 3:1-3

1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Activity 1.5 - Find the scriptures that verify the rewards that the sons of God will receive. Check if there is another reward that you could add to the list.

REWARD

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE

New Spiritual Bodies

Eternal Life

Rule and Reign on the Earth

?

In conclusion, God promised the Church that if they continue in righteousness they would one day change into the same type of being He is. Thus, this hope encourages all believers to maintain a life of purity that they may receive this blessed reward.

LESSON 1 - MAIN POINTS

Here are some key points to remember from this lesson:

• Definition of Mystery: It is described as a secret or something difficult to understand or explain.
• Components of the Mystery of Christ:
• Plan of Salvation: God's design for salvation and its execution.
• Operation of Salvation: The work God performs to save souls, including the sending of Jesus on the cross, and His entrance into the bodies of the believers.
• Manifestation of Salvation: The transformation in believers' lives after receiving the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the presence of Christ within them.
• Hope of Salvation: The reward for believers who endure in righteousness until the end, which includes being changed into a glorious, immortal state.
• The Church is the Fellowship of the Mystery: The Mystery of Christ is intimately tied to the Church, with the revelation of this mystery given to the apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit. The Church is described as the community of those chosen by God for salvation.
• Timeline of the Mystery: The mystery was hidden in God until the formation of the Church, initiated at Pentecost with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It will culminate in the Rapture of the Church, where believers will be transformed into immortal beings.
• Christian Hope: The hope of believers lies in their eventual transformation into the likeness of God, which encourages them to maintain lives of purity and righteousness. They will receive rewards such as a crown of life.

Overall, the lesson emphasizes the great depth of knowledge and transformative power of the Mystery of Christ, which encompasses the divine plan of salvation, its execution through Christ's sacrifice, and the ongoing manifestation of salvation in the lives of believers, leading to their ultimate reward.

EXTENDED STUDY & LEARNING RESOURCES

The task/s and support resources recommended are intended to be used to help you to study further and walk in light of the principles you have been learning. Do your best to complete them bearing in mind that you can study with others as a means of support and encouragement.

Tasks

1. Find a video clip depicting the Creation seen in Genesis 1:1-5. As you watch, compare the similarities with St John 1:1-5.

Genesis 1:1-5

1 In the beginning God created the hea

ven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

John 1:1-5

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

1. In the table below are themes taken from Genesis 1:1-5. Show how John uses these same themes to depict the Mystery of Christ.

THEMES FROM GENESIS 1

THE MYSTERY REVEALED IN JOHN 1

Light versus Darkness

Jesus is depicted as Light in verses 4 & 5

In the Beginning

The Word of God

SELF-EVALUATION

The Self-Evaluation is designed to serve as a tool for you to examine how you are applying that which is taught in the lesson to your own life, and/or to further probe your knowledge of the lesson. Please answer honestly and thoroughly.

1. What do you understand more clearly about the Mystery of Christ?
2. Why is it important that the mystery is revealed in you?
3. What if any, are the mindsets or perspectives you have changed from this study?