Revealing of the Mysteries

Revealing of

the Mysteries

 

Introduction

Among the fulfillment studies of biblical harvests and feasts are mysteries, according to human knowledge and understanding, that have been declared by God through prophecy and that have been revealed or will be revealed in a time to come. Though not exhaustive, this study sheds light on the mysteries declared in scripture and their understanding made manifest to God's people.

The Mystery of Christ & the Kingdom of God

The mystery of the kingdom of God was a mystery to Israel and to those who did not have faith. 

Mark 4:11 KJV - "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:"

The lack of knowledge and understanding is associated with blindness, meaning spiritual blindness, and will continue until the last of the gentiles turn to the faith.

Romans 11:25 KJV - "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in."

Paul mentions the mystery of Christ that he has been revealing; of which he desires more opportunities for.

Colossians 4:3 KJV - "Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:"

Revealing of the Mystery of Christ & the Kingdom of God

Paul relates the manifestation of the mystery of Christ to the working unto the kingdom of God and has been made manifest through sharing the knowledge and understanding of the mystery.

Colossians 4:3-4, 11 KJV - "3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. ... 11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me."

The mystery was hidden for ages and generations and was made known to gentiles; who can now hope in the glory that will one day be revealed because Christ is in them.

Colossians 1:26-27 KJV - "26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:"

The mystery of the kingdom reveals to the faithful that they are partakers of the promise of inheritance, being fellow heirs in the kingdom of God.

Colossians 1:12-13 KJV - "12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:"

Additional scriptures reveal how the faithful children of God are also the seed of Abraham through the righteousness that comes by faith, making them heirs of the kingdom according to the promise, and with that the hope of being glorified together.

Ephesians 3:2-7 KJV - "2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:"

Romans 4:13 KJV - "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."

Romans 8:17 KJV - "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."

Galatians 3:29 KJV - "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Titus 3:7 KJV - "That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

James 2:5 KJV - "Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?"

The Mystery of the Gospel

Paul also refers to the mystery of the gospel that is hid to the lost.

​Ephesians 6:19-20 KJV - "19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."

Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers to keep them from believing in the gospel that shed light onto our sinful nature.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 KJV - "3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."

This mystery also has been kept secret since the world began; as it was not made manifest until the time of Jesus Christ.

Romans 16:25 KJV - "Now to him that is of power to stablish 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,"

Revealing the Mystery of the Gospel

The preaching of Jesus Christ, that is his life, death, burial, and resurrection, is used to reveal the mystery of the gospel and to declare he is the way for the obedience of faith.

Romans 16:25-26 KJV - "25 Now to him that is of power to stablish 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, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:"

The manifestation of the mystery of the gospel through Jesus Christ brought life and immortality.

2 Timothy 1:8-10 KJV - "8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:"

The Mystery of the Faith

(Of God, the father, & Christ)

The mystery of faith pertains to the works manifested from a pure conscience, as opposed to works of the flesh.

1 Timothy 3:9 KJV -"Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience."

Revealing the Mystery of the Faith

(Of God, the father, & Christ)

The mystery of faith is revealed through knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual understanding. When someone has faith in Christ Jesus and has the hope of what is to come, they are motivated with a pure conscience to manifest good works.

Colossians 1:4-6, 9-10 KJV - "4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: … 9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"

The mystery of faith is of God, the father, and of Christ, who reveals to the faithful treasures of wisdom and knowledge to know and apply, and abound in good works.

Colossians 2:2-3, 6 KJV - "2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. … 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving."

Additional scriptures reveal the spiritual works that are manifested in the children of God and works that will be manifested in a time to come.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2, 10 KJV - "1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. … 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body."

1 John 3:10 KJV - "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother."

1 Timothy 5:24-25 KJV - "24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid."

1 Corinthians 3:13 KJV - "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."

1 Corinthians 4:5 KJV - "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."

The Mystery of Godliness

What godliness was and how a person is to display godliness was a mystery until the time of Christ.

1 Timothy 3:16 KJV - "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

Revealing the Mystery of Godliness

Jesus Christ was the revelation of what godliness is. The works of God were exemplified. The pure Spirit in Christ, as his witness, justified him. The angels witnessed his works. He preached the gospel to the gentiles. People believed him. He was received into glory.

1 Timothy 3:16 KJV - "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

Likewise, the children of God are called to glory and virtue, and to exercise godliness.

2 Peter 1:3 KJV - "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:"

1 Timothy 4:7 KJV - "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness."

2 Corinthians 4:11 KJV - "For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh."

1 Corinthians 6:11 KJV - "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

1 Peter 1:12 KJV - "Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into."

Galatians 2:2 KJV - "And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain."

Ephesians 1:13 KJV - "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,"

Romans 8:18 KJV - "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

The Mystery of One Flesh

Paul speaks of another mystery having been kept in store to be revealed after the time of Christ; that Christ and his faithful believers would be one.

Ephesians 5:30-32 KJV - "30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."

Revealing the Mystery of One Flesh

Paul shares knowledge and understanding of the mystery that Christ is the head of a spiritual body consisting of faithful believers.

Romans 12:4-5 KJV - "4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

1 Corinthians 12:12-14,18, 20, 27 KJV - "12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. ... 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. … 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. ... 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."

Colossians 1:18, 23-25 KJV - "18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. ... 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;"

The Mystery of the

Seven Stars & Golden Candlesticks

In the revelation given to John, two symbolic images were shown to him. One was seven golden candlesticks and the other was seven stars being held in the right hand.

Revelation 1:12-16 KJV - "12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14  His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."

Revealing the Mystery of the

Seven Stars & Golden Candlesticks

The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 1:20 KJV - "The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."

The Mystery Babylon, the Woman, & the Beast

John is shown another mystery full of symbolisms; which include a whore, waters, a woman with a name written on her forehead, a golden cup, and a beast with seven heads and ten horns, to name a few.

Revelation 17:1-7 KJV - "1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns."

Revealing the Mystery Babylon, the Woman, & the Beast

An understanding is given to John concerning the meanings of the symbolism, while the knowledge of its manifestation was not recorded.

Revelation 17:9-18 KJV - "9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."

The Mystery of God

Another mystery that will be filled in a time to come is the mystery concerning the first resurrection that is declared to occur at the last trump, when Christ will gather all things in himself.

Ephesians 1:9 KJV - "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:"

1 Corinthians 15:51 KJV - "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,"

Revelation 10:7 KJV - "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets."

Revealing of a Mystery of God

The mystery of God will be fulfilled when the resurrection takes place. John is also shown the time when the two witnesses in the last days are raised from the dead in the resurrection immediately preceding the seventh trumpet.

Ephesians 1:9-10 KJV - "9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:"

1 Corinthians 15:51-53 KJV - "51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

Revelation 11:12-15,18 KJV - "12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."

The Mystery of Iniquity

The mystery of iniquity is a mystery to those who do not believe the truth; who are sent a strong delusion and thereby continue abounding in unrighteousness.

2 Thessalonians 2:7, 11-12 KJV - "7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.... 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

Recall that Satan blinds the mind of unbelievers.

2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV - "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."

2 Corinthians 3:14-15 KJV - "14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart."

Revealing of the Mystery of Iniquity

Those who now hinder the truth and righteousness will do so until they are taken out of the way. The revealing, by the brightness of the coming of the Lord, will remove the covering cast, or veil, and iniquity will be made known in its destruction.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-9 KJV - "7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,"

2 Corinthians 3:16 KJV - "Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away."

Isaiah 25:7-9 KJV - "7 And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations. 8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it."

Matthew 10:26 KJV - "Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known."

See The Hindering Works of Satan.