Well, we got started in the most important section of scripture concerning this amazing Dispensation of the Grace of God, known as the Mystery period between the 1st Advent of Christ, his virgin birth, sinless life, offering of the kingdom, death, burial, and resurrection, and his 2nd Advent, the physical return to establish the everlasting kingdom, starting with his millennial reign on the throne of David.
The principles of the Gospel in this Age:
Salvation comes to all who 1. Hear the Word, 2. Believe in Lord Jesus Christ, and 3. Trust in God’s promise of eternal life. Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 2:8-9
If our gospel is hidden, it is hidden to them who are lost. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
Paul clarified the gospel of this age, being of grace to the uncircumcision (the Gentiles), and different from the gospel of Peter, James, and John, being of repentance and baptism, to the circumcision (the Jews). Galatians 2:7-9Their gospel is will be revived in the Tribulation with the 2 witnesses and the 144,000 sealed missionaries, 12,000 from each tribe, from Revelation 7.
Matthew 24:13-14: But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
The Mystery is all about this time period — this Dispensation of Grace, not known from the beginning, but being fully in the mind of God, to provide salvation to the world! All the apostles believed that everything would be fulfilled in their lifetimes. But, we know it did not happen. Jerusalem was destroyed in 70A.D. and the nation was dispersed throughout the Roman world. We have been in the mystery ever since.
Romans 16:25-27: Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
1 Corinthians 2:7-10: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
We will continue our grand adventure in the Mystery next Sunday!