The gospel is not what anyone of us would have expected or invented. It could not be anticipated. Although it is based on divine wisdom and logic, to our natural human way of thinking it seems alien, foolish, and illogical. It is a mystery that began to be revealed in the Old Testament and was finally revealed to us through Christ.
The gospel draws back the curtain on our Creator God’s merciful and loving heart toward humanity against the backdrop of his terrifying justice. Unless the Holy Spirit of God opens our hearts and minds, we cannot understand or believe it.
Paul writes:
Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 16:25-27 (NASB)
In the Bible, a mystery is something hidden that cannot be known unless it is revealed by God.
Sin put a veil over the mind and heart of mankind, greatly limiting our ability to see, hear, and comprehend truth. (Matthew 13:10-17) Sin blinded us spiritually according to Jesus. (John 9:39) It hardened our hearts against seeing and believing truth. Left to ourselves, that is how we will remain, which is the reason we need to receive the softening influence of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus, who is the focus and revelation of God’s mystery of salvation and redemption, appeared, he was rejected by those whose eyes had not been opened by God’s Spirit. (John 1:9-11) The same is true today.
When the gospel is preached, only those who are able to see and hear with the Spirit’s help can understand the mystery of Christ and salvation, that Jesus is the Messiah King of Israel, who died to save us from our sins, who rules now as Lord, and who will return as the glorious Son of Man to judge all creation.
If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NLT)
Jesus understood this reality and, surprisingly to us perhaps, he rejoiced in it.
At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. 26 Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! Matthew 11:25-26 (NLT)
Every time someone believes, it shows that the Spirit of God has been at work in that person’s life, which is a cause for great rejoicing.
Jesus was always on the lookout for those whose hearts had been opened by God.
Perhaps you are asking yourself if the Holy Spirit has opened the eyes of my heart to know Christ in this way? If not and you desire to know him, the Bible promises that all who seek God will find him.
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 (NASB)
Jesus will never turn away anyone who comes to him with an open and honest heart. (John 6:37)
Why not come to him now?
Prayer
Father God, thank you that you promised that all who seek you will find you. I admit to you that I desperately need your mercy and help. I cannot do life on my own any longer. You never intended me to live independently from you. I come to you as a sinner and a seeker of truth. I want to know who Jesus really is through the revelation of your Spirit. Open my eyes and help me to see him as he really is, the merciful Savior and glorious Lord of lords, risen from the dead and coming again in glory one day to judge all mankind. On that day, I want to know that I am safe in his love and not be terrified of encountering his holy judgment. Holy Spirit, come into my life, open my eyes, soften my heart, help me to see and understand and believe. I give myself to you and receive by faith all that Jesus died to provide for me – forgiveness, being made right with God the Father, being restored to God’s family, being set free from all the things that have enslaved me, and eternal life in the Spirit. Help me to follow you as a loyal and on fire disciple. Amen.
