Ephesians 1:9-14 gave us quite a lot to ponder! We were introduced to the final dispensation of God's plan for humanity as well as the step by step process of our salvation that occurs the moment we believe. Deuteronomy 29:29: The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. A brief look at Paul's revelations of the mysteries as our apostle to the Gentiles in this dispensation of the grace of God (Ephesians 3:2). Mystery simply means “secret.” The Lord revealed to Paul the mysteries that pertain to the dispensation of the grace of God in which we live. Romans 11:25-27: The mystery of Israel's blindness and restoration Romans 16:25-27: The mystery of Paul's gospel 1 Corinthians 2:7-8: The mystery of the wisdom of God 1 Corinthians 15:51-54: The mystery of the rapture of the Church Age saints Ephesians 1:9-10: The mystery of His will – the dispensation of the fulness of times Ephesians 3:3-12: The mystery of the unsearchable riches of Christ Ephesians 5:25-32: The mystery of the marriage relationship of Christ and the Church Ephesians 6:19-20: The mystery of the gospel Colossians 1:25-29: The mystery of Christ in you, the hope of glory Colossians 2:2-3: The mystery of God the Father, and the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge Colossians 4:3: The mystery of Christ 2 Thessalonians 2:7: The mystery of iniquity (of antichrist) 1 Timothy 3:9: The mystery of the faith 1 Timothy 3:16: The mystery of godliness 1 Corinthians 4:1-2: Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. V.9-10: Paul explains the mystery of God's will – all Church Age saints will be gathered together, including those in heaven and those on earth, ushering in the dispensation of the fulness of times – the reign of Christ in the millennium and eternity future. V.11-12: Because of our salvation “in Him” we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to God's purpose, that we should be to the praise of his glory. This is a companion scripture to Romans 8:28-29. The only way we can be praiseworthy is that we be conformed to Christ. V.13-14: Paul explains the process of our salvation – believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. This all happens in a moment of time! We hear the Word of God – Romans 10:17 We believe what it says concerning salvation – Acts 16:31 We trust in Christ's finished work for our salvation – 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Titus 1:2 We are sealed by / immersed in the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption – Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 4:5-6 The deeper we go into this book, the more we realize what an awesome book of doctrine we have before us!
