Posted by Emmanuel Usikaro
Discipleship - Bible Studies
First Timothy 3:16 in the King James Version of the Bible contains a powerful statement about the mystery of godliness. In this passage, the apostle Paul writes that 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.
The mystery of godliness refers to the revelation of God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a mystery because it was not fully understood or revealed in the Old Testament but was revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
The statement in 1 Timothy 3:16 is a summary of the gospel message. God was manifest in the flesh through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. He was fully God and fully man and lived a sinless life on earth. Jesus was justified in the Spirit through His resurrection from the dead. His resurrection demonstrated His victory over sin and death and showed that He was indeed the Son of God.
Jesus was seen by angels, who witnessed His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. The angels declared His birth to the shepherds, ministered to Him in the wilderness, and were present at His crucifixion and resurrection.
Jesus was preached unto the Gentiles, as well as the Jews. The gospel message was not just for one group of people but was for all who would believe in Him. Jesus believed in the world, and people from all walks of life came to faith in Him. His message of love, grace, and salvation touched the hearts of many, and His followers became known as Christians.
Finally, Jesus was received into glory through His ascension into heaven. He now sits at the right hand of God, interceding for us and preparing a place for us in His kingdom. The mystery of godliness is a profound truth that has the power to transform lives.
Through Jesus Christ, we can be reconciled to God and experience the forgiveness of sins. We can be transformed from sinners into saints, from enemies of God to His beloved children.
As Christians, we are called to live a godly life, following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. We are called to love God and love others, to serve and give, and to share the gospel message with those around us.
In conclusion, the mystery of godliness is the revelation of God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a profound truth that has the power to transform lives and bring hope and healing to a broken world. Through Jesus Christ, we can be reconciled to God and experience the forgiveness of sins. We are called to live a godly life, following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, and sharing His message of love and grace with those around us.
