Unlocking the Mystery: Chosen to explain - Ephesians 3:9
Ephesians 3:9 (NLT): “I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.”
Introduction: The Concept of Mystery in Scripture
When we think of the word mystery, we often picture something hidden or secret, like a detective story waiting to be solved. The Bible, especially in the New Testament, speaks of divine mysteries—truths that were once concealed but have now been revealed through Jesus Christ.
Today, we will unlock the profound mystery of God’s plan for humanity, which the Apostle Paul calls the mystery of Christ. As we delve into Scripture, we’ll see that God’s mysteries are not meant to be forever hidden, but through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, they are meant to be understood and embraced.
Our foundational verse is Ephesians 3:9 (NLT): “I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.”
1. What is the Mystery?
In Ephesians 3:3-6 (NLT), Paul writes: “As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.”
The mystery is this: through Jesus Christ, salvation has been made available to all people, Jews and Gentiles alike. This was a radical and transformative revelation, breaking the barriers that separated humanity and ushering in a new era of unity in Christ.
The Greek word used here for mystery is mysterion, meaning something hidden that is now revealed. Paul’s use of this word shows that what was once hidden in God’s eternal plan is now made clear through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Paul emphasises that this mystery was kept secret for ages but is now fully unveiled. It wasn’t that God changed His mind; rather, the timing of His revelation was perfect. As Romans 16:25-26 (NLT) states: “Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him.”
To quote Alistair Begg: “The mystery is not a puzzle to be solved but a wonder to be revealed.”
2. Jesus Christ: The Key to Unlocking the Mystery
At the centre of this mystery is Jesus Christ Himself. Colossians 1:26-27 (NLT) says: “This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.”
The mystery of Christ isn’t just about inclusion but also about transformation. Christ in you is the hope of glory. This indwelling presence of Christ changes everything. No longer are we separated from God, but through Jesus, we have access to Him. We can now call God Abba, Father (Romans 8:15), and we share in the inheritance of eternal life.
The Hebrew word for dwelling or tabernacling—shakan—refers to God’s presence being among His people. Just as God’s glory dwelt in the Tabernacle with the Israelites (Exodus 40:34), now Christ dwells within believers. This is the mystery of godliness that Paul speaks of in 1 Timothy 3:16 (NLT): “Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.”
3. The Mystery Revealed through the Holy Spirit
It’s the Holy Spirit who illuminates this mystery in our hearts. Ephesians 1:17-18 (NLT) says: “I pray that the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.”
The Holy Spirit opens our spiritual eyes, allowing us to understand what was previously hidden. This is why Jesus said in John 16:13 (NLT): “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” The mystery that was once hidden is now fully revealed through the Spirit. And this revelation is not just for head knowledge but for heart transformation.
As John Piper once said: “The Spirit illuminates the Word, unlocks its mysteries, and makes it alive in us.”
4. Living in the Light of the Mystery
Understanding the mystery isn’t just an intellectual exercise; it has profound implications for how we live. As recipients of this mystery, we are called to live in the light of it.
Ephesians 5:8-9 (NLT) says: “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.”
Living in the light of the mystery means walking in God’s truth, letting our lives reflect His glory, and sharing this Good News with others. Just as Paul was entrusted with the message of the mystery, we too are called to be stewards of this truth, proclaiming it to the world.
Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) says: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Today, as we’ve explored the divine mystery of God’s plan through Jesus Christ, we stand in awe of His grace. This mystery has been revealed for all to see. Christ came to reconcile humanity to God, to bring us into His light, and to give us the hope of eternal life.
So, what will you do with this truth? Will you embrace the mystery that’s been unlocked, and let it transform your life? Will you live in the light of Christ’s revelation, sharing His love and truth with a world still in darkness?
Call to Action: If you’ve never experienced the joy of knowing Jesus personally, I invite you today to unlock the mystery of Christ in your life. He offers forgiveness, hope, and the promise of His presence. Surrender to Him, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. As Romans 10:9 (NLT) says, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
