October 7

"The mystery of the Gospel." — Ephesians 6:19.

PAUL, feeling the arduous and trying nature of the sacred office, desired an interest in the prayers of his fellow-Christians, that he might open his mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the Gospel. Why is the Gospel called a mystery?

BECAUSE IT WAS HID IN GOD BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN. See Ephesians 3:9. Before the day-spring knew its place, he appointed his only-begotten Son to be the propitiation for the sins of his people. Through intense application and study, many secrets in the world of nature have been discovered; but it never would have entered into the heart of men or angels, that God should be manifest in the flesh.

BECAUSE, WHEN IT IS REVEALED, MANY OF ITS DOCTRINES ARE INCOMPREHENSIBLE. They must be received in faith, though not comprehended by reason. To make revelation bow to the shrine of reason, would be as preposterous as to make the glorious sun acknowledge his inferiority to a glimmering taper; the vast ocean, its smallness to a drop of water; or the great globe, its insignificance to a grain of sand.

THE GRADUAL REVELATION OF THE GOSPEL IS A MYSTERY. The sun of righteousness arose even in Paradise, but thousands of years elapsed ere it reached its meridian splendor. Shortly after the fall, the Gospel was revealed to Adam, in the first promise; then to Abraham. Jacob, by the light of prophecy, beheld its glory; its nature and excellence were typified in Jewish sacrifices and ceremonies; the long train of prophets testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow; but in the New Testament we have the full blaze of Gospel day.

THE EXTERNAL REVELATION OF THE GOSPEL TO SO FEW OF MANKIND IS A MYSTERY. Before the flood, the revealed will of God was confined to the family of Noah. After that period, the families of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob only, were privileged with it; for hundreds of years it was confined to a little spot in Canaan. "In Judah was God known, his name was great in Israel." At this present time, the generality of mankind are walking in darkness, they have no vision, and where there is no vision the people perish.

THE SAVING REVELATION OF THE GOSPEL TO SO FEW

OF MANKIND IS A MYSTERY. Of those who hear, how few know the joyful sound! "Many are called, but few chosen." To some the word preached is a savor of death unto death. Let us be thankful if it has revived our dead souls; and wait for the light of heaven to reveal what is dark on earth.