This message is the secret truth that was hidden since the beginning of time. It was hidden from everyone for ages, but now it has been made known to God’s holy people.
This letter of the Apostle Paul deals with doctrinal heresy and how the mystery of the Gospel of grace is not a human doctrine but the extended grace of God toward humanity for salvation. Beloveds, the will of God is a mystery; it is hidden and incomprehensible! However, we ought to keep trusting Him and believing in what He says! The psalmist says, “Our God is in heaven, and he does whatever he wants,” (Psalm 115:3).
Beloved, those in Christ are also a mystery. John 3:8 says, “The wind blows wherever it wants to. You hear it, but you don’t know where it is coming from or where it is going. It is the same with everyone who is born from the Spirit.”
The new birth is a mystery; people do see the fruit thereof when a person has made a turnaround to God! Children of God are not predictable; God is the only one who knows us and how He will use us for His glory and intended purpose. God’s commands at times do not make sense; however, we are to walk in obedience and await His timing. When it has been accomplished, then you realize that it was God’s work and that you were just an instrument of service. We are like clay in the hands of the potter (Jeremiah 18:6). The map of your life is a mystery that God unfolds as you obey the Holy Spirit’s voice in your life.
Today’s verse speaks about a secret or mystery being hidden in the beginning of time for ages; God’s hand unveiled the secret to his holy children, who have accepted Jesus as the Lord and Savior! That is why Nicodemus asked the question: “How can a man who is already old be born again? Can he go back into his mother’s womb and be born a second time?” (John 3:4). Being born a second time was too hard for Nicodemus’ mind to understand the mystery.
I remember back in my days before accepting Jesus as my Lord and my Savior, God sent people to me to minister this mysterious Gospel. I told them that I have a church, and I know this Jesus that they were talking about. Yet, it was not about my church membership or knowledge of Jesus! It was about the importance of accepting Him in my heart and following Him always! The turnaround came, and Jesus healed the asthma that tormented me, then the mystery was revealed, because I now belong to His kingdom, and I continue to share the mystery with those who are in darkness!
John’s baptism was for people to repent, and God baptizes those who have repented with the Holy Spirit, to indwell the born-again believer. The Holy Spirit brings a transformation and the character of Christ in us, and thus we become spiritual members of the family of God! This takes the conviction of the Holy Spirit to accept and live it! Later, Nicodemus asked the right question, “How is all this possible?” (John 3:9), meaning, how do I become born again? The mystery or the secret remains covered to “anyone who is not born from water and the Spirit cannot enter God’s Kingdom,” (John 3:5).
Just believe in Jesus Christ with all your heart and follow His ways according to the Bible. He is coming back to take his family. Continue to share the “secret” about the Good News that saves people!
By Christopher Thetswe, Bible League International staff, South Africa
