A note from our Pastor:

“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:”

Colossians 1:26

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this week, the Apostle Paul takes a journey into one of his more complex theological premises. The structure of this verse and the subsequent verses makes it necessary to carefully parse out the meaning. Once understood, the resulting concept is straightforward. In our study today, the aim is to travel the road to this apprehension of Colossians 1:26.

First, it is necessary to consider the unspoken foundation of this verse. In the writings of the Apostle, there are two dispensations of the truth of God. The first dispensation happened in what we call the Old Testament through the prophets. The second dispensation primarily happened through Christ Jesus, but also through his Apostles.

Second, the Apostle assumes a core understanding of the first dispensation. While the prophets were given insight into eternal salvation, the workings of God, and basic discipleship it was all with limited understanding. In particular, when they wrote on matters of eternal salvation they were writing about a future series of events. They had thoughts and words inspired by the Holy Spirit or directly received from God they were to transmit, but no one had a clear understanding of how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus would happen.

For this reason, the Apostle calls the truth of eternal salvation a mystery which had been hidden for generations. Any glimpses of this mystery were through a darkly shaded glass where the details could not be fully understood. The prophecies for how to recognize the Messiah when he came were clear and abundant. But beyond recognizing the Messiah, it was necessary to have someone reveal the truth.

The revelation of that truth is the second dispensation. That dispensation began with John the Baptist declaring Jesus as the Lamb of God. It continued with the preaching of Jesus Christ, about himself and his salvation. Then it concluded with the Apostles who were given insight into eternal salvation and other matters of God. These teachings were for the purpose of making the mystery of God known unto his children and disciples.

Today, as disciples, we benefit from knowledge of both the first and second dispensations. We can read the Old Testament and see the prophecies that foreshadowed the coming of Christ and his saving work. Then, we can read the New Testament and understand the full revelation of that mystery, all of which results in praise and glory to God.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah