July 15, 2007

JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE MYSTERY

Romans 16:25

   “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now...made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith-- to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever” (Rom.16:25-27 NKJV).
   Paul thanked God for the faith of these Roman believers whose faith had been spoken of throughout the world and prayed always “making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established-- that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me” (Rom. 1:9-12 NKJV).
   Beginning and ending Romans Paul stated his goal, the establishment of these saints in spiritual truth and understanding. He began with “the gospel of Christ..the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes”
...”wherein the righteousness of God was revealed,” and ended with “my gospel, the preaching of Jesus Christ” wherein the mystery was revealed.
   “It is extraordinary that any student of Scripture can miss the clearly marked difference between the gospel of the opening clause of the Epistle to the Romans, and the gospel specified in the characteristically ‘Pauline’ postscript at is close.” Thus began Sir Robert Anderson in chapter four of his book, FORGOTTEN TRUTHS. Could it be that I had not only over-looked that which he said one should not miss and had never known the truth of Paul’s Gospel? Such was the case some years ago, but it has been pursued with diligence and thrill since that wonderful day of awakening. The understanding of these gospels and their distinctions are required for a believer to be “established” today.
   The four gospels are dedicated to preaching Jesus Christ according to prophecy. They prophesied of His virgin birth in Bethlehem and even of His suffering and death by crucifixion. Yet from heaven the risen, glorified Lord revealed Paul’s gospel, the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the Mystery. The secret is out. Keep it hidden no longer!

Ivan L. Burgener