Jan 1960 - Editorial

It is hoped, D.V., that during this year readers of this magazine will have placed before them for their consideration the subject of the Mysteries, of which there are many referred to in the New Testament. In fact the most important doctrines are referred to as mysteries, and it is necessary for readers to understand clearly what is meant by the word "mystery" as used in the Scriptures. It should not be thought that it means something beyond all under-. standing, and therefore a waste of effort is thereby entailed in trying to understand what is hidden and "mysterious," to use a common English word for that which is beyond the normal powers of the mind to grasp. It is true that there are " the deep things of God," even things which "none knoweth, save the Spirit of God", and those to whom they are revealed by Him. Of such things it is written that they are

Things which cite saw not, and ear heard not,

And which entered not into the heart of man,

Whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him.

Yet it has been by the grace of God that some of these things have been revealed through the Holy Spirit searching them out (see 1 Corinthians 2 for a treatise on this subject). Even so, though there has been a revelation of some of these things the natural man considers them as foolishness, and he cannot know them, because he judges after the manner of a natural man, whereas they have to be spiritually judged.

It is extremely important to recognize, what is known to students of the New Testament, that the Greek word Musterion, translated "mystery," refers to that which has been revealed, though ages may have passed over humanity before these things were revealed through the Holy Spirit. At the appropriate time these were made known to men, and are found in the Scriptures. It was taught by Moses in Deuteronomy 29.29 that

"The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but the things that are revealed belong unto us."

There are things unrevealed as yet, for John says,

"Now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be" (1 John 3.2).

He goes on to recount some things that we do know and the consequences to us of the possession of that knowledge. Moses, Paul, and John, among others, press home this responsibility.

The object of these articles is to draw the attention of our readers to the many things which are called mysteries that the purpose of God regarding them may be fulfilled; that it should not be found to be in vain because of the lack of understanding or because of the cold hearts of men. All men may have the Bible in their hands, and may have much knowledge of the contents of the Book, but the acceptance of the fact that the things of which we write are by revelation opens up possibilities of spiritual blessing beyond human

computation.

unknown | Jan 1960
Editorial