The word “Mystery” in the Apostle Paul’s epistles is the Greek word ‘musterion,’ meaning ‘a God-planned secret’ to be revealed in the time of His choosing.

“THE Mystery” (of Ephesians 3:1-5) is different from the several other (Bible) mysteries which are denominated in various ways.

“THE Mystery” is key to God’s great plan and purpose of the ages.

The “Great Mystery” of Eph. 5:32 is “concerning Christ and the church.” It had been was ‘hid from ages and generations.” It was not revealed until the Great (dispensational) Divide that took place with Acts 28:26-28, about 60 A.D. AFTER the 35-year ACTS period ended.

After this, Paul wrote the seven ‘mystery’ epistles to “the church, which is His body.” They will not be understood by others who have no interest, even if they are saved believers. This literal truth is spiritual as opposed to earthly or sensual.

The epistles of “The mystery” which are the last portions of the inspired Word to be written are Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I and II Tim., Titus, and Philemon. Some of these were written by Paul from prison in Rome. Chronologically, II Timothy was the last letter written.

Three quarters of the Bible concerns the Nation Israel and its hope of the “kingdom come ON EARTH.” All Scripture is written “for” us (for our learning), but not all Scripture is written ‘to us’ or about us. If you are one of “His body” members, Paul’s latter 7 epistles were written directly to you and for  you. If you have come to seriously see and acknowledge Christ Jesus as your “head,” you are one of His “body” members. You are of “the Church, which is His Body.”

You were selected according to Eph. 1:4, “CHOSEN … BEFORE the casting down [foundation, Grk., katabole] of the earth”. All the Scriptures should be precious to you, but not all will be so personal to you as these seven Pauline epistles.

Your eternal destiny is different from the believers of the Nation Israel who were delivered from Egypt’s bonds and trod the Red Sea on dry land. Yours is not the same as the faithful remnant of believing Israel mentioned in Rom. 11. Your eternal destiny is in “the heavenly places,” actually in what can be called the ‘super heavenlies,’ cf., Eph. 1:3, Col. 3:4). This is where your affections and treasure lie, at the right hand of Christ (Col. 3:10-13). And He is ‘seated at the right hand of the Father’ (Eph. 2:6-7). Your treasures are not corruptible (Eph. 1:18-19) or earthbound at all.

• You have no rituals holding you to observance,
• You have no earthly religious organization to command your obedience.
• No member of any of God’s other families has the proximity to “The Head” as ‘His body members’ do.

What can be more direct than your relationship with Him? (As a member of “His body”) you take your direct orders from your Head, Christ Jesus. Not only has He paid the supreme price for your salvation, He is now your (indwelling) Head and Lord (Master).

The seven (written) letters of Paul mentioned above are your present and infallible guides.

• Your sins have been ransomed, paid for (Eph. 1:7).
• You are His workmanship (Eph. 2:10).
• You can now begin to understand the full dimensions of His love (Eph. 3:17-19).
• You are at “one” with Him and the Godhead (Eph. 4:5-6).
• Further, you are looking for His glorious (heavenly) “appearing” (Tit. 2:12-13, Col. 3:4).
• Your day-to-day written guides are found in the simple, kind, and loving wise instruction of the seven letters above.

If you should pass before our Lord appears, He will raise you from your rest and present you with an ‘incorruptible spiritual body’ which will enable you to fellowship with all of the (faithful) saints of The Most High. Praise His Name!                          

(Portions adapted from Jack Eberle – (www.tftmin.org )