The Gospel Mystery Revealed to All Nations
The gospel presents itself as mysterion (mystery)—not obscurity, but a revealed secret once hidden by God. Joseph S. Exell (1887) distinguishes three dimensions of this mystery.
First, genuine mystery marks authentic religion. The infinite Divine necessarily exceeds human comprehension; false mystery breeds superstition, but true mystery reflects Yahweh's transcendence.
Second, this mystery remained concealed through ages. "The secret things belong unto Elohim." Hidden moral meanings in nature and history emerged only through poets' vision and prophets' utterance, as the Holy Spirit moved holy men of old. Patriarchs glimpsed dawn's pale light; prophets anticipated what would come.
Third, Christ's incarnation brought full revelation. When Christ lived, taught, and died, noon broke upon antiquity. The seal fractured; the secret stood exposed.
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