A note from our Pastor:

“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.”

1 Timothy 3:16

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this week we reach the conclusion of 1 Timothy 3:16. We have spent a considerable amount of time studying this one verse but there is so much meaning packed into these words. The portion of the verse we are considering this week is not only the conclusion of this verse but also the conclusion of the Christ being manifest in the flesh.

Great is the mystery of godliness: received up into glory

The account of the ascension of Christ into glory is recorded and preserved in Acts 1:9-11. In this account, Luke documents how Christ taught a lesson, and having concluded the lesson he was taken up into the sky and received into a cloud. 

When Christ was received into the cloud he disappeared from sight and until the second coming of Christ will not be seen again by humans residing on the earth. This does not mean he is no longer in his human form nor does it mean he does not provide for his people on the earth. It simply means the purpose for which he was made manifest in the flesh was accomplished. Now he resides in his rightful place in heavenly glory.

As stated before, the word mystery in this verse does not mean a problem to be solved. This is the modern, western definition of mystery. But in this context, the word mystery means something spectacular or something wonderful beyond the normal. Each phrase expresses different aspects of the glorious work of Jesus Christ on behalf of his people. This final aspect of the mystery of godliness leaves the believer with a special comfort.

The ascension of Christ into glory is a testament to the truth of the resurrection of the elect of God. It is by his resurrection and ascension that the believer has confidence in the truth of the coming resurrection no matter how long time continues to stretch forward. Each generation has looked for the coming of Christ and while it has not happened we believe with confidence that it will because of the witness of Christ ascending into heaven. This is truly glorious.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah