“holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience” (1 Timothy 3:9).
While detective novels and television dramas often feature criminal mysteries, a Biblical “mystery” refers to a hidden spiritual truth that has been (or will be) revealed. As one Biblical scholar explains…
“The word ‘mystery’ is musterion, the N.T., meaning of which is, ‘truth which was kept hidden from the world until revealed at the appointed time, and which is a secret to ordinary eyes, but is made known by divine revelation’ (Vincent). This truth is understood by the illumination of the Holy Spirit.” (1)
This word appears in the New Testament Scriptures with surprising frequency in a variety of contexts. For example, the word “mystery” is used in relation to…
- Wisdom: “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7).
- God’s will: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself” (Ephesians 1:7-9).
- The future that awaits God’s people: “the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:25-27).
- Lawlessness in our world: “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2:7).
If we should encounter a spiritual mystery that troubles or distresses us, we can find encouragement in the words of 1 Corinthians 13:12: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” Much like a dim reflection in a mirror, our spiritual understanding is often indistinct and fragmentary today. Nevertheless, there will come a time when such restrictions will be lifted.
We can find additional comfort in the Biblical epistle of 1 John…
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).
(1) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament [1 Timothy 3:8-9] Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.