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"THE MYSTERY" Private Mail for the Saint
(The Initiate) - Eph. 1:4; 3:8,9; Col. 1:25,26
There are other Greek words which also mean "a secret". However, (as will be seen), "the Mystery" meaning "a secret," is not a
translation but rather a transliteration of the Greek word, "musterion" which is truly unique, that is, concerning the definition. Thus at the outset, here are a few facts which should be
helpful as an overview for a complete understanding about the private mail in this context.
First and foremost, "the Mystery" (a body of many truths) is addressed to His saints (Col. 1:26) for Faith-Obedience in their walk (Eph. 2:10; Col. 2:6,
4:1-7). Hence, the response (the saint's personal faith), either yea or nay, demonstrates, "the initiate," those " chosen (elected) in Christ, before the foundation (Greek word,
katabole, overthrow) of the world." (Eph.1:4). In other words, an election from within "the Elect" - - think about it!
Lest you forget, remember there are other saints who were elected (or chosen) "since or from the foundation (overthrow) of the world." (Matt. 13:35). Not
only so, but those of the Acts Period (both Jews and Gentiles), in their calling, who later rejected "the Mystery" (II Tim. 1:15), but who retained the promises of the Revealed Plan of God, are
blessed with faithful Abraham and the promises made by God to the children of Israel (Rom. 9:4. Gal. 3:14). By the same token, those who in the Acts Period, like the Apostle Paul, were later
adjusted to the Hidden Purpose of God in "the Mystery," became "the initiates."
Another factor to be considered in the word "musterion" has to do with the definition. This, in turn, speaks of a revelation. At the same time, it must be kept
in mind that "the Mystery" completed the Word of God (Col. 1:25). It follows then that any revelation "out of God" must of necessity proceed from within the unveiling of "the
Mystery" itself.
Therefore, the revealing of the content from within "the Mystery" identifies the private mail of "the initiate," namely, the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge hidden in Christ Jesus. (Col. 2:3).
Like the night which follows the day, there had to be an acknowledgment of God's Mystery, i.e., the Christ on the part of the initiate (Col.2:2). (See our paper on
"The Sovereignty of God and the Free Will of Man.")
It is therefore the privilege of this high calling not only to make all (saints) see (in the sense of discernment) the stewardship of this Mystery, but also to call
attention to our role as a showcase to the hierarchy of the principalities and powers in the super-heavens (Eph. 3:10, Col. 1 and 2).
In tthe meantime, our private mail assures us - - and we await in anticipation - - the fulfillment of the superlative language used to describe our rich future as
trophies of His grace in the coming ages (Eph. 2:7).
Think of that!
C. E. McLain
11/2/87.
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