This week we will bring to a close this series on the mystery of Godliness. Our text has been 1 Tim 3:16, a verse some commentators have considered to be an early Christian creed. If you wanted to state in one verse what the New Covenant is, this would probably be the one. We will examine this verse today, and find out exactly what the mystery of Godliness is. Let’s get into God’s Word.

Fist we see that the mystery of Godliness is great, or “mega” in the Greek. Not that it remains a mega mystery, but rather that this mystery that has been revealed is indeed great. How can we escape the judgment of God if we reject such a great, vast, and mighty salvation (Heb 2:3). Jesus, God’s salvation, is indeed great. All the fullness of God dwells in Him (Jn 1:16, Eph 3:9, Col 1:19 and 2:9). If you do not have Christ, you do not have God’s fullness. You may have some form of Godliness, and you may have a standard of right and wrong. You may even be a good person - relatively speaking. However, without Jesus, you do not have God’s fullness; for it is only in Christ. A form of Godliness is lacking, and will not bring salvation. You must have the fullness, You must have Jesus.

Second, we see that God was manifest in the flesh. This means that God Almighty took on human form. This was Jesus Christ (Isa 7:14, Jn 1:1, 14, Heb 1:8, 1 Jn 5:7). In Isa 9:6, we se that the child that was born, the Son that was given, is called the Mighty God and the Everlasting Father. Jesus is no mere prophet, angel, or teacher. He was no created being. He is from everlasting to everlasting. He is the eternal God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in human form. How is that possible? With God, all things are possible (Mk 10:27).

Third, we see He was justified, or vindicated, by the Spirit. His supernatural birth; His miracles, signs, and wonders; His baptism, His transfiguration, His resurrection, and His ascension all point to the fact that He was Who He said He was. A multitude of witnesses, and fulfillment of prophecy, show clearly that Jesus is indeed the Christ. ( See Rom 1:3-4, Acts 2:22-28, Eph 1:20-23, Philp 2:5-11, and Col 1:15-24).

Fourth, we see that He was seen of angels. The angels saw Him create the foundation of the earth (Job 38:1-7, Jn 1:1-3); They testified of His birth; They ministered to Him after the wilderness temptation; They ministered to Him in the garden before His crucifixion; They were at His resurrection; They were at His ascension into glory.

Fifth, we see that Jesus was preached to the Gentiles. I do not think we know how important this is. To Israel were given the blessings, the promises, the covenants, and the ordinances. The Gentiles were “without hope” (Eph 2:12). Jesus brought us hope. In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, free nor slave, male nor female. We are all, through faith in Christ, one body (1 Cor 12:13, Gal 3:28, Col 3:11, Eph 2:11-3:6).

Sixth, we wee that Jesus was believed on in the world. Not that the whole world has believed, but that there are Christians in every nation. Through Jesus, the world has been turned upside down (Acts 17:6). The Gospel is going forth into all the world (Rom 10:18 and Col 1: 5-6).Even in nations severely hostile towards Christianity, the church multiplies. People are still being saved even today, praise God! Jesus said, “Whosoever will - come!”

Finally, we see that Jesus was received up into glory (Lk 24:51, Mk 16:19, Acts 1:9). Many eyewitnesses saw Him ascend up into Heaven. He is seated at the right hand of the Father- alive and well - even today. He was the first fruits of many that would come after Him, which are those who believe. He will come back for us at the appointed time (Jn 14: 1-5).

This is the mystery revealed. This is Christianity. No secrets, gimmicks, or games: Just Gospel truth. I pray you have been blessed by this teaching, and until next time, rejoice in The Lord!