"“Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began. 26. But now is made manifest (revealed), and by the scriptures of the prophets according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations by obedience of faith: 27. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen."
The three verses above are the closing of the Book of Romans. They disclose things that are of historical, theological and biblical importance. I want to attempt to explain the meaning of these verses to the best of my knowledge. (Okay, my knowledge is not great, but it is best I can give you. Lol) It was apparent that Paul was happy that he could be alive to share the mystery of God: “Which was kept secret since the world began.” Let’s look at the revelation of this mystery: The mystery was God’s revelation of His plan of salvation, “made known to all nations.” This is a revelation of the good news of Jesus Christ, not only to Jews, but to Gentiles as well. Paul preached salvation to all who would hear of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. Verse 26 tells us that the mystery was “made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.” Paul explained this mystery in this way in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that of yourselves: it is the gift of God. 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast.” All who are saved, are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. That is the explanation of the mystery, “made known to all nations.” Paul wanted his readers to be sure that this revelation was not from him, but from God. Vs. 25a: “Now to Him that is of power establish you.” It was God who made this gospel of faith possible. Paul preached it but it came from God. Paul referred to the gospel as “my gospel,” but he preached Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. We still announce this secret every time we share it with someone, but their salvation comes through the Holy Spirit. Paul gave God the credit for any results of his witness, and so should we. We need to always remember that God should always receive the glory for people who are saved by our witness. Paul expressed it for us in verse 27: “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen” For myself, I am thankful that God allows me to share His word with people. This mystery was expressed in Old Testament scripture, especially through the prophets: “But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God.” All of the preaching and witnessing in the New Testament was done through interpretations of Old Testament prophecies. (The New Testament was being lived out as John, Peter, Paul, and others shared the revelation of the mystery.) Today, we share the revelation of the mystery through both the Old and New Testaments. We should praise God for the revelation of salvation by faith through Christ to all who will receive it. I sincerely pray that I have cleared the water for you instead of muddying it. Bro. Joe
1 Comment
Joe Thomas
4/27/2016 06:57:45 am
Thanks Bro. Joe...It is quite clear...God bless you and Ms. Mary...and keep up the good work. Bro. Joe
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorDr. Joe Beauchamp is the author of this blog and website. Categories
All
Archives
September 2021
|