Chapter 178—Mystery of Mysteries
Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was
manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached
unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
1
Timothy 3:16
.
What a mystery of mysteries! It is difficult for the reason to grasp the
majesty of Christ, the mystery of redemption. The shameful cross has been
upraised, the nails have been driven through His hands and feet, and the cruel
spear has pierced to His heart, and the redemption price has been paid for
the human race....
Redemption is an inexhaustible theme, worthy of our closest
contemplation. It passes the comprehension of the deepest thought, the
stretch of the most vivid imagination....
Were Jesus with us today, He would say to us as He did to His disciples,
“I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now” (
John
16:12
). Jesus longed to open before the minds of His disciples deep and
living truths, but their earthliness, their clouded, deficient comprehension
made it impossible.... The want of spiritual growth closes the door to the rich
rays of light that shine from Christ....
Those who have been diligently working in the mines of God’s Word,
and have discovered the precious ore in the rich veins of truth, in the divine
mysteries that have been hidden for ages, will exalt the Lord Jesus, the
Source of all truth, by revealing in their characters the sanctifying power
of what they believe. Jesus and His grace must be enshrined in the inner
sanctuary of the soul. Then He will be revealed in words, in prayer, in
exhortation, in the presentation of sacred truth.
The mystery of the cross explains all other mysteries. In the light that
streams from Calvary, the attributes of God which had filled us with fear
and awe appear beautiful and attractive. Mercy, tenderness, and parental
love are seen to blend with holiness, justice, and power. While we behold
the majesty of His throne, high and lifted up, we see His character in His
263