THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS
The mystery of godliness is all the truth about Christ's manifestations, which is in form of a declaration, revealed by God through divine inspiration. It is an amazing revelation of Christ as the embodiment of true godliness, very devoted and dedicated to the glory of the Father. This is the glorious reality of the church of the living God; the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Reference: 1 Timothy 3:16 New King James Version (NKJV)
"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."
In the above Scripture, Paul listed the mystery of godliness in six remarkable parts. The mystery of godliness is Christ's incarnation, which is how He manifested in the flesh and the manner in which He lived as a man on earth. This same mystery is the revelation of the Christian life on earth because the Bible says, "as he is so also are we in this world" (1 John 4:17 ESV). Regardless of Jesus being God, He lived on earth as though He was never more than a man.
Apostle Paul had a great insight into this mystery of Christ. In fact, in Ephesians 3:4-5 (NIV), he said, "In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets." In other words, Christ is a mystery. He is a divine plan which God did not reveal to previous generations or ages, but the plan is now revealed as the mystery of godliness, in all His sublime manifestations, glorious triumph and magnificent ascension. All of His manifestations are summed up as the mystery of godliness.
Here again are the six dimensions of the mystery [the hidden truth] of godliness: Jesus Christ was revealed in human flesh (John 1:14), which is Christ's incarnation. He was justified and vindicated in the Spirit, which is Christ's resurrection. He was seen by angels, which is Christ's appearance. He was preached among the nations, which is the glorious Gospel. He was believed on in the world, which are those who received His message. He was taken up in glory, which is Christ's ascension (Mark 16:19). Christ passed through all these stages and that is what it meant for Him to live as a man in perfection, serving as a desirable model for us.
Jesus Christ was born as a man and died as a man, but was raised and glorified. After His resurrection, in His glorified body, He returned to the throne, seated at the Father's right hand. As we embrace the mystery of godliness, we can walk in godliness, reflecting the life and nature of Christ and His Kingdom in our daily lives, here on earth. Shalom!
Scripture Reading - Matthew 13:11; Romans 16:25; 1 Peter 1:20; 1 John 3:5.
Guided Prayer:
Thank you Father for the mystery of godliness and of the gospel glorious which have brought the knowledge of the endless love and the surpassing glory of Christ to mankind. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among men, and today, I behold His glory, thereby walking in godliness, perfection, beauty and righteousness. Hence, I'm being transformed into the image of Christ from glory to glory, in Jesus' Name, Amen!
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