One of the hardest things that we are ever asked to do is to keep a secret. GOD is not a man that HE should have any difficulty in this regard, however, as the scripture indicates HE has kept a secret for many generations and ages without divulging it. Actually once a secret is shared with anyone by the originator of the secret it is no longer a mystery except to those who have not been let in on it. The agnostic says that nothing can really be known about GOD. He is right in one sense because no one in and by themselves can discover the things which we need to know about HIM except by revelation or the telling of the secret by HIM who knows it. (see Mt.11:27; Luke 10:22) So while GOD has indeed revealed HIS whole counsel to some, the scripture says that HE has hid them from the wise and prudent(i.e., those who are satisfied with the knowledge they already possess).(see Mt.11:27) One of the reasons that HE said HE taught in parables was so that the mysteries of HIS kingdom might be revealed to HIS own people yet remain a secret to others. (see Mt.13:13-14; Mk.4:12; Luke 8:10) So we see the wisdom and power of GOD revealed in HIS ability to make things plain and open to those who have been given eyes to see and ears to hear and yet to keep them hidden from those who will not see nor come to HIM for help. "And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life." (John 5:40)
GOD has in the present age(the latter days)(see I Jn.2:18; I Pet.1:20) purposed to unfold the mysteries of HIS kingdom to HIS people(i.e., the elect) in a way and with a completeness that HE never did in times past (the former times)(see Acts 14:16). "GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his SON" (Heb 1:1-2) We (the children of GOD in the present time) are a doubly blest people not just to be chosen by HIM but to live in the age wherein HE has unfolded that secret which HE did not fully reveal even to HIS elect in former times(i.e.,before CHRIST came into the world born of a woman). Unlike the prophets of old or even the angels for that matter we are not left to wonder about the purpose of GOD and the manner in which HE would bring redemption for HIS people. (see I Pet.1:10-12) HE has let us in on the secret. (see Col.1:26)
In the unfolding of GOD's purpose in the preaching of CHRIST we can now see clearly:
- The living CHRIST indwelling us is our sole hope of glory. (see Col.1:27) It is only by being made a new creature that we enter into the kingdom of heaven. (see II Cor.5:17)
- There is no difference between Jew and Gentile insofar as the kingdom of heaven is concerned. (see Eph.3:3-9) No man is accepted by GOD on the basis of natural birth or heritage. (Gal.5:6; Rom.2:28)
- GOD will ultimately save all of HIS elect even gathering HIS remnant from among the children of Israel though they be in apparent darkness at the present time. (see Rom.11:5-7; 25-32) The LORD will gather HIS people from all nations of the earth.(Mt.24:31)
- The gospel which we preach when empowered by the HOLY GHOST is more than just words but it is a power and force which cannot be resisted nor overturned. (see Col.4:3; Rom.1:16) As the LORD spoke the name of Lazarus and raised him from the dead so the gospel is used by HIM to call his sheep by name. (see II Cor.10:4-5; Jer.28:28; I Cor.2:4)
- Marriage is given to men and women to show the love of CHRIST for HIS bride( HIS church). (see Eph.5:32) HE laid down HIS life for us. (see Mt.20:28; Jn.10:11; 15:13)
- All of the elect shall not taste physical death but all will be transformed into the likeness of CHRIST whether alive or dead at the last trump. (see I Cor.15:51-56)"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5)