This article was originally posted in The Genesis Epic under Men of Renown.
Men of Renown – Part xviii – Nimrod and Babylon
The Great Mystery
There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. (Genesis 6:4) And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5)
This series called Men of Renown will begin with these verses in Chapter 6 of the book of Genesis because it is the perfect scene setter for whatever and whoever follows that enables men of renown to act in conflict against God and His Word. Genesis 6 verses 4 and 5 are an accurate definition of men of renown.
The phrase ‘men of renown’ occurs in the Bible only two times. The second and last mention can be found in the 4th book of the Pentateuch in the book of Numbers, Chapter 16. This last mention of ‘men of renown’ goes beyond the definition of men of renown and expands what ‘men of renown’ are not only capable of, but what lurks in the inner most recesses of their thoughts.
Again, I can only emphasis that if this your first time to venture into this series, and the first time to read of Nimrod it will help you to stay up with the rest of the readers of this series if you click on the following click link. CLICK here for the 1st of the series of Nimrod. There . . . I’ve done my job. Click or don’t click . . .
• The name of Shinar is mentioned seven (7) times:
the fullness of confusion
• The name of Babel is mentioned two (2) times:
the witness of confusion
• The name Babylon is mentioned in the Old Testament
two hundred and eighty-one times (281):
the massive uncontrollable growth of confusion
The Great Mystery Begins
Shinar and Babel have already been covered in previous articles, therefore, let us look into Babylon. There are many mysteries in Scripture, and Babylon is one of these mysteries. There is a warning attached to this article: Be forewarned, this article will be long, and it may not be an easy read, as the previous articles. 
The word mystery is only found in the New Testament. It is recorded twenty-two (22) times. The last book of the Bible also has twenty-two Chapters which draws the end of all that opposes God’s Divine rule and ends the mystery of God toward mankind. Before we rush on to list the mysteries of God, we should realize that God has another name. He is called The Word. Why? Because He wanted to be a silent God? . . . . because He wanted to keep mankind in the dark without any understanding that He exists? . . . . because He didn’t want mankind to know Him, or to know His heart, His mind, His will, or His purposes? I think not! His mysteries are mysteries not because God is mysterious, but because mankind is not capable of comprehending The Eternal God and His expression and voice through the Godhead bodily. This is why the very first outreach to man from God was His declaration in Genesis 1:1 that HE IS. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. The following references open His Being as THE WORD. God could have chosen many words to express His Being, but He deliberately chose THE WORD. What better way to communicate to mankind limited by space and time then through written and oral expression. Unable to communicate with the spiritual realm of a righteous and holy Divine God, man in his nature (sinful nature) has been provided a means to KNOW that GOD IS. God also desires that all of mankind would be aware of their origin, their primary purpose, their dual presence (spiritually and tangibly), the reason for death, why all of mankind must die, and that eternal life is a reality and life everlasting is within man’s future. Yes, God wants YOU to know that He is a God of communication, and that HE IS.
• In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
• And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:4)
• That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (1 John 1:1)
• For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (1 John 5:7)
•And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (Revelation 19:13)
Side Note: The Number 22. This number (as many numbers) has two distinct contrasts. As numbers have a positive or negative point, God the Holy Spirit uses this point to teach the searcher of spiritual gems to look at both sides of a single number. First, this number as a whole unit scripturally takes on the meaning of confusion (Babel, Shinar, and Babylon) and disorder, but an intensified disorder. Since the number 11 also means disorder, the number 22 which is the double of 11 symbolizes a severe disorder, and confusion doubled. This is shown through Jeroboam, Ahab, Amon and Abijah rulers over both Israel and Judah. In the following connection to twenty-two, all of these rulers were men of intense evil, pride and corruption.
And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead. (1st Kings 14:20)
And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years. (1st Kings 16:29)
Amon [was] twenty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name [was] Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah. (2nd Kings 21:19)
But Abijah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters. (2nd Chronicles 13:21)
When we look at the number 22 not as a unit, but as two single digits joined together, we have the testimony or witness of God strengthened, since the number two (2) is the number of witness and/or testimony. Twenty-two times the word ‘mystery’ is recorded in the New Testament. There are twenty-two chapter in the last book of the Bible. There are twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. And there is yet more, the number 22 is built around the single digit of 2 twice, or doubled, or strengthened. Christ is the 2nd Person and associated with the number 2. He is the second Man, the Word.
The first man [is] of the earth, earthy: the second man [is] the Lord from heaven. (1st Corinthians 15:47)
And every one had four faces: the first face [was] the face of a cherub, and the second face [was] the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. (Ezekiel 10:14)
God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. (Acts 13:33)
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)
Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. (Hebrews 10:9)
When centered on Christ then all within this word ‘mystery’ is revealed. God’s revelation was first committed to man through the Hebrew alphabet revealing God’s Center Piece in His Messiah. The twenty-two chapters in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ is just THAT: THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. The single unit of the double digit of 22 (which is confusion intensified) comes to its final end with these words: He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Revelation 22:21) I am assuming that the reason why the Bible ends with the 22nd Chapter and the 21st verse is because there was at that time and is at this time, Christ’s appearance is yet future; therefore, there is no 22nd verse YET! ♦ End of Side Note: The Number 22.
Mystery implies something that is not known or unable to be understood, but God desires that we should understand and KNOW the mysteries of God. First, understand this: no one can understand the depth of God (this includes the mind, will, purpose and redemptive plan of the Godhead bodily). Secondly, no one can understand the depth of the sin nature of man. In the gospel of Mark, Christ stated, And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables.
There are many mysteries revealed and unrevealed in Scripture, but the GREATEST MYSTERY of ALL mysteries is the mystery of God. The seventh (7) verse in the 10th Chapter of the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ informs us that the mystery of God should be finished. It will be finished, it shall be accomplished, it will be actualized and fulfilled. But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. (Revelation 10:7) (The reference address is the perfect home to set the voice of the seventh angel proclaiming that the mystery of God should be finished in 10:7, all of God’s mysteries settled in God’s Divine Order (the number 10), and accomplished in His Divine Perfection (the number 7). In numerical symbolism the seen and the unseen realm are drawn together.) What God begins, He also accomplishes . . . . when I begin, I will also make an end. (1st Samuel 3:12)
In verses 25 – 26 of the 16th Chapter of the book of Romans we are led through time by the Spirit of Truth to see the revelation of mystery at its primal earthly stage . . . . since the world began. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, (Romans 16:25). The following statement allows us to understand that part of the mystery of God was/is the mystery of Jesus Christ, and this mystery was/is made manifest to all nations through faith at the revealing of God in Christ in the fulness of time. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, (Galatians 4:4). But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: (Romans 16:25). Not only does God the Holy Spirit teach line by line and precept by precept, but He also reveals slowly, through time, the mysteries of God line by line and precept by precept. God’s desire is that His creatures should KNOW HIM through the Lord Jesus Christ, and the mysteries of God be made KNOWN to all who diligently SEEK Him. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself. (Ephesians 1:9)
The Mysteries Revealed
God’s realm, both spiritual and physical, have mysteries: things that mankind struggles to comprehend. In order to understand the mystery of God, we should examine the spiritual applications of the word mystery. Three times, all in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit of God connects the word great to the word mystery.
Three GREAT MYSTERIES: first is the great mystery of Christ and the church in Ephesians 5:32, This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
The next great mystery is the mystery of godliness. And 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. (1st Timothy 3:16)
The very last mention of mystery in the Bible is directed at Babylon in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, Chapter 17, verse 5. Also notice the caps, you of course know that when anyone texts words out in CAPS that they are shouting to you. Well, the Holy Spirit of God is shouting to us. And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
How easily the words flow from our lips, and how lightly our fingers touch the keys on our keyboards with such words as: mystery, great, Christ, church, godliness, and all without a true understanding of the depths within each of these words. Now, that is a mystery. Who can know the mind of God? Who can know the mind of Christ (God manifest in the flesh)? Who can know the mind of the glorified Christ? But, is this not the God who wishes His creatures to KNOW His mind? Yes, He does. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. (John 15:15) To the sons of God, the born-again ones in Christ, He has given us the mind of the Lord through the indwelling of Himself in comfort, in grace, and in the power of an endless life. Yes, we have the mind of Christ, through the words of Christ, through the gospel of Christ, through the indwelling Spirit of Christ. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (1st Corinthians 2:16) The apostle Paul through the words given to him by the Holy Spirit of God wrote in Philippians Chapter 2, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. The mind of an obedient servant, the mind of a willing heart, was the mind in Christ Jesus. In order to apprehend the mind of Christ we need to close our minds to the things of the world. The best mind to have when delving into the word of God is a closed mind. Yes, you read that correctly, the triumphant mind is a closed mind. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind . . . (1st Peter 1:13) Protecting your mind spiritually is a constant challenge requiring battle awareness of the elimination fields of distraction and prideful imaginations. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2nd Corinthians 10:5) Seek those things which are of God, focus on the actions and words of Christ, learn of Him, lean on Him, and allow His Spirit to take control of your thoughts. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. This is how we journey into mysteries beyond earthly comprehension . . . . precept upon precept . . . . line upon line . . . .
The Mysteries of God
Within this word mystery there are many mysteries. Since this word is only found in the New Testament, let us examine the various mysteries that God presents to us. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1st Corinthians 4:1) Sons of God, children of God, and born-again ones of the Spirit of God are stewards of the mysteries of God. We are agents and servants of Christ to watch over and to faithfully guard the truth within the mysteries of God.
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (Matthew 13:11)
And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. (Luke 8:10)
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1st Corinthians 4:1)
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Mystery of the kingdom of God
1. The first documentation of the word mystery is in Mark 4:11, when the Lord Jesus Christ states that it is unto us that it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. So right from the very beginning from the mouth of God in Jesus Christ we are assured that His mysteries are to be known, so that He will be known. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables.
Side Note: The Kingdom of God. Many have attempted to catalogue the kingdom of God into different dispensations, such as the Millennial Kingdom Age of Christ, and the Eternal State, and many other static designations, however, I see the kingdom of God as ONE KINGDOM through all eternity. In Scripture you will not find the plural form of kingdom, KINGDOMS, connected to God. Kingdoms is of the earth, man understands kingdoms because of its connection to many kings. There is only ONE KING and only ONE KINGDOM. Everything is His. As the Godhead bodily cannot be divided, His kingdom is also one kingdom. His ONE Kingdom contains a spiritual realm and a tangible realm. His ONE Kingdom is of the seen and of the unseen. What confuses many is that WITHIN His ONE kingdom there are many differences, nevertheless, these differences do not institute many ‘kingdoms’ of God for there is only ONE KINGDOM. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. (2nd Timothy 2:20) Within HIS GREAT house, in this reference in the epistle to Timothy, the apostle Paul described the great house of His church. In the book of Matthew, considered to be the gospel directed specifically to the Jewish people, Christ in the 13th Chapter (the number of evil) describes through a parable the growth of evil from a small seed to a enormous tree where birds (a symbol of evil) find a home, a house, a nest to lodge in its branches, and the conclusion of evil in 13:33, everything, the whole, becomes evil. Always keep in mind that in the GREAT house of God’s universe, evil came in (through Lucifer) and evil took hold as a cancerous cell. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: (Matthew 13:31) Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. (Matthew 13:32) Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. (Matthew 13:33) First evil took hold in the spiritual realm, then took over the physical realm. Many great houses, nests, became infected with evil. This also was/is a mystery of God. But, this mystery of God will be accomplished and shall be finished. But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. (Revelation 10:7)
At the sound of the seventh angel ALL the kingdoms of this world will become HIS. All the evil kingdoms of men and the kingdoms of the earth will bow to the King of kings and Lord of lords, and ALL will become His. Under His ONE kingdom there will many lesser subservient kingdoms. And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15) The Word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, will wear many crowns, each crown signifying His great power and His right of Kingship over His creation. ONE KING. ONE LORD. ONE GOD. ONE KINGDOM. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. (Revelation 19:12) And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (Revelation 19:13)
1. The King (Isaiah 33:17) (Luke 19:38)
2. The King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2)
3. The King of Israel (John 1:47-49)
4. The King of saints (Revelation 15:3-4)
5. The King Eternal of all ages (1 Timothy 1:17)
6. The King of Righteousness and Peace (Hebrews 7:1-3)
7. The King of heaven (Daniel 4:37 then 34)
8. The King of glory (Psalm 24:7,8)
9. The King of kings (Revelation 19:12-16)
10. My King and My God (Psalm 5:2) (Psalm 44:4)
11. King over all the earth (Psalm 47:2, 7)
12. The King of nations (Jeremiah 10:7)
CLICK HERE to add to your jewelry box of scriptural gems. ♦End of Side Note: Kingdom of God.
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Mystery of God’s divine election of grace
2. Then the next mystery that we are introduced to is found in the 11th Chapter of the book of Romans in verse 25, For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. To comprehend this mystery read the complete Chapter. (Knowing that many will not do as I suggest, I will summarize this mystery with a question. Why was Israel blinded to their Messiah? Why could they not see and believe His Presence when He came to them in His first manifestation as Jesus the Christ? This was all purposed by the will of God. They were not by-passed, nor was Israel passed over by God as His people, but they were for a set period of time set to one side to allow the Gentiles to be brought into His redemptive program, thus fulfilling the promises to Abraham . . . until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. The core of this particular mystery is rooted in God’s divine election of grace. In Israel’s blindness and the Gentiles enlightenment is the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. (Psalm 36:6) O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. (Psalm 92:5) Searching the 11th Chapter of the book of Romans, there are a number of spiritual issues and components such as God’s goodness and severity, His judgments, His wisdom and knowledge, but they are all connected to the election of grace. This is the mystery of God’s election . . . . another facet of the mystery of God, and the mystery of God’s election is rooted in God’s Sovereignty.
• Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Romans 11:5)
• Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.(Romans 11:22)
• O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33) For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? (Romans 11:34) Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (Romans 11:35) For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)
God also draws us to the center of this mystery of His divine sovereignty through the word election. This word is only recorded six times in the entire Bible, and three times it is found in Romans Chapter 11 dealing with Israel being set aside for the gathering in of the Gentiles. Therefore, For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, the mystery of God’s divine election.
• Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Romans 11:5)
• What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (Romans 11:7)
• As concerning the gospel, [they are] enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, [they are] beloved for the fathers’ sakes. (Romans 11:28)
The mystery of God’s election spans time and exists outside of the framework of time. It is God who selects, it is God who elects, it is God who decides, it is God who rules in righteousness. (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) (Romans 9:11) For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.(Romans 9:15) So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. (Romans 9:16)
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Mystery of the Manifestation of Christ
3. The third mystery mentioned is in Romans 16:25, Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began. This is the mystery of Jesus Christ in God’s program that was kept secret since the world began. The Old Testament is centered around God’s Christ, so where is the mystery? The mystery is that although Christ is within the pages of prophecy, psalms and in all the writings of Moses, His appearing and manifestation was the mystery revealed in the fullness of time. Christ, Himself, spoke of Himself in Luke 24:27, And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
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Mystery of the Personification of Wisdom
4. Another mystery is the mystery of the wisdom of God recorded in 1st Corinthians 2:7, But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:. This mystery is revealed to us when we understand that THIS wisdom was the PERSON of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Chapter 11 of the gospel of Luke, it is Christ Jesus who is speaking And he said unto them . . . . I say unto you . . . . But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them . . . . as he spake these things . . . But he said . . . . And the Lord said unto him . . . . Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master . . . . And he said . . . . Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and [some] of them they shall slay and persecute: (Luke 11:49) This mystery is wisdom personified in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Also compare Proverbs Chapter 8 where wisdom is seen in the unseen at the beginning of the creation of God of the earth. The following is not the whole Chapter, but selected verses to challenge your curiosity. Proverbs Chapter 8 deals with two different points: wisdom and understanding, that is God’s wisdom and man’s understanding.) Christ Jesus is God. The Lord Jesus Christ is the complete expression of God in wisdom, knowledge and in the power of God.
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? Proverbs 8:1)
Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. (Proverbs 8:4) O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. (Proverbs 8:5)
The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. (Proverbs 8:22) I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. (Proverbs 8:23) When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. (Proverbs 8:24)
Christ is the wisdom of God. In Christ Jesus is all God’s knowledge in its fullness. In this fourth mystery of the wisdom of God . . . . Christ Jesus is God. The Lord Jesus Christ is the complete expression of God in wisdom, knowledge and in the power of God. But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (1st Corinthians 1:24) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)
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Mystery of Immortality
5. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. (1st Corinthians 15:51) The mystery of grace in action in the fifth mention of mystery unveiled so that ALL may KNOW that death has been conquered. (Read the whole 15th Chapter and KNOW that eternal life has been made available to ALL who are born of the Spirit of God.
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1st Corinthians 15:52)
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1st Corinthians 15:53)
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (1st Corinthians 15:54)
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1st Corinthians 15:55)
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (1st Corinthians 15:56)
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1st Corinthians 15:57)
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1st Corinthians 15:58)
A mystery no longer. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. We have been set free from sin and death. We have been set free from the fear of death. This is what is at the core of sinful fearful mankind, the fear of death, and this burden camouflaged by denial of his sure impending death. Man puts death away behind the automatic doors of nursing homes, and obscures approaching death behind enchanting gates of pleasant communities falsely called senior ‘living’ centers, all waiting . . . . waiting for their end when God has said, Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. What will be your change?
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: (Romans 2:7)
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.(1st Corinthians 15:53) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (1st Corinthians 15:54)
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen. (1st Timothy 6:16)
But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2nd Timothy 1:10)
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: (1st Timothy 6:14) Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; (1st Timothy 6:15) Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. (1st Timothy 6:16)
This is the mystery of life and immortality. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. (1st Corinthians 15:51) In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (Titus 1:2)
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Mystery of the Gathering of Oneness in the Seen and the Unseen
6. The mystery of His will that God purposed in Himself has been made KNOWN to us in Ephesians 1:9, Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself. This is the mystery of the gathering together in ONE all things in Christ. His will is that ALL should be to the praise of His glory. As He is ONE, we also are ONE in Him. This is the mystery of Oneness.
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (Ephesians 1:10) In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (Ephesians 1:11) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (Ephesians 1:12)
The mystery of His will in gathering together IN ONE (in Christ) not only those things on earth, but those things in heaven. The gathering of the seen and the unseen together as ONE BODY to the praise of His glory is a mystery that is made KNOWN to us NOW. On earth it is made known NOW through Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus., and 1st Corinthians 12:13, For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. It is also made known to us NOW and will be fulfilled in heaven to His praise in glory. That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (Ephesians 1:12) And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. (Revelation 5:13) The purpose in Himself was the mystery of His will in that He created all things for His pleasure and purpose to join all in One. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11)
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Mystery of Heirship
7. The next time that we see the word mystery it is mentioned three times, yet, it is one revealed mystery . . . . the mystery of our heirship in His Heirship.
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, (Ephesians 3:3) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (Ephesians 3:4) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; (Ephesians 3:5) That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (Ephesians 3:6)
And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (Ephesians 3:9)
These verses instruct that through revelation Paul understood the mystery of Christ. Since God is a God of communication, and Christ is called The Word, and through His Spirit directed, and spoke His words to ready writers with pens chiseled by faith and obedience; why then do we assume that revelation was only meant for holy men of the ancients, and for the apostles and prophets of ages passed, and not for all saints of all ages including our own age? God disclosing truth is revelation. God opening understanding is revelation. What do you think this phrase means, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth? (John 16:13) What do you think this sentence means, But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. (1st John 2:20) God has not changed through time. His will is that ALL may KNOW Him and His Christ. God doesn’t hide truth from those who seek Him. The knowledge of the holy is made available to ALL, it is not just for a select privileged class of religious priests and cultists (as many assume), but revelation is God bringing to the surface divine diamonds of understanding. When you see for the first time a biblical principle or a spiritual concept in its precious purity . . . . that is revelation. The Bible is so full of revelations that it boggles the mind. Scripture is saturated with discoveries waiting . . . . waiting for you to discover God’s buried treasures. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (Ephesians 1:17) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (Colossians 1:9) Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1st Peter 1:13)
There is another point of revelation: God not only reveals Himself through His written word and His Living Word to His born-again ones, but He first reveals Himself to them before their new supernatural spiritual birth. First comes REVELATION, then comes a RELATIONSHIP with God. This is Christianity. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
This seventh mystery in Ephesians 3:6 is That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. We have seen the mystery of Oneness, we have seen the mystery of the purpose of why Israel was set aside, we have seen the mystery of the gathering in of all of God’s creatures, and this seventh mystery adds another dimension to our understanding of the mystery of God: heirship. We, who are saved Gentiles, are fellow heirs not only with Israel, but the marvelous mystery is that God has promised that we are joint- heirs WITH Christ.
• And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17)
• And if ye [be] Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.(Galatians 3:29)
• Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)
• Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (James 2:5)
Made from dust, with a body dedicated to sin, and worthy of the penalty of death, and yet, and in spite of our sin nature, God deemed that we should be entitled to inherit eternal life, and to be conformed to the image of His Son, and to reign with Him, and to be with Him and to see Him. From haters of God to heirs of God is a mystery too deep for mortal mind to apprehend this love of God for His own. And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (Ephesians 3:9) We are to see WHAT is the fellowship of the mystery of God. In the mystery of fellowship is another issue beyond our comprehension, writing that God is a communicator, and that He desires to communicate His Divineness and His righteousness to His creations can be somewhat understood, however, the mystery of God delves into the heart of God when the word fellowship is used. Fellowship is much more than communication, or oneness in belief, or unity in action, fellowship brings in heart, and love. His love spans more than humanity can fathom. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (Philippians 3:10) We relish His benefits and rejoice in His promises of joint-heirship with Him, but the fellowship of His sufferings is a bridge too far, and a journey of rejection too lonely for many Christians. The fellowship of His sufferings is part of the fellowship of the mystery of God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
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Mystery of Headship
8. This is the first mention from the three references of A GREAT MYSTERY. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:32) And truly this is a GREAT MYSTERY . . . . the mystery of Headship.
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:21)
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22)
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (Ephesians 5:23)
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. (Ephesians 5:24)
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Ephesians 5:25)
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (Ephesians 5:26)
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:27)
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. (Ephesians 5:28)
For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: (Ephesians 5:29)
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (Ephesians 5:30)
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. (Ephesians 5:31)
This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:32)
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Ephesians 5:33)
I will repeat again, And truly this is a GREAT MYSTERY . . . . the mystery of Headship. This eighth mystery was one of the first mysteries that was attacked by Lucifer. Also keep in mind that this is also the first reference to a GREAT MYSTERY, repetition is a good thing. The Holy spirit of God teaches using supernatural spiritual moral principles through the tangible world of matter and because of this we too often view His principles as linear and limited to our time and space frame, when we should view these principles and truths as spiritual and physical layers melded together joining time and timelessness together.
This first great mystery is not a parable. It is not a lesson. It sets before us a reality that is enduring and timeless, and firmly centered in Christ as Head of ALL things, as in the Godhead bodily. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:32). Christ AND the church is a GREAT MYSTERY in their relationship to each other, and within each other. The Holy Spirit of God sets the connection and the relationship to marriage: a husband, and a wife in Ephesians 5:23, For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (Ephesians 5:23) This is God’s divine order: Christ is the head of the church, as the husband is the head of the wife. And because this is God’s divine order it has also become Satan’s main point of conflict challenging the preeminence and Headship of Christ. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18) Over and over again, God’s divine order has been challenged, rejected, and altered by Satan and his religious ministers and hidden saboteurs of truth. This mystery of Christ AND the church joined together as husband and wife began BEFORE the first marriage relationship of Adam and Eve, before our space time structure. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.(2nd Timothy 11:9)
• And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. (Genesis 2:18)
• And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; (Genesis 2:21) And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. (Genesis 2:22) And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. (Genesis 2:23) Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)
• And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, (Matthew 19:4) And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? (Matthew 19:5) Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:6)
• For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; (Mark 10:7) And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. (Mark 10:8) What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Mark 10:9)
Adam was assigned Federal headship over God’s creation, over ALL of God’s creation, and that included Eve. One flesh, that was God’s declaration that Adam and Eve ceased to be two separate entities, but in God’s perfect order they became one. One in thought, one in action, and one in spirit united together, the perfection of unity, the perfect marriage. Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3) God set before us from the very beginning the perfect marriage, the epitome of marriage, and the gold standard of marriage founded on the attributes of God Himself. How far have we fallen from God’s divine order of marriage? Defending and excusing mankind’s current state of marriage is indefensible. I refuse to go into the excuses and the reasons for man’s substitutions of God’s institution of marriage because it is all based on man’s evil imaginations, his lies, his divisiveness, and his illusions of godliness. I will stay focused on God’s divine order, and on the great mystery of Christ and the church as it relates to the marriage of a husband and a wife. Although God set the standard for marriage, mankind has never held strongly to any of God’s standards. Knowing man’s propensity to justify his actions, and to disannul and reject God’s laws and commandments we can understand why His standards of marriage have been trampled into particles of dust or promoted as fairytale illusive dreams. The beginning of the male/female conflict began with headship; one refused headship, the other appropriated headship; one capitulated his headship, the other usurped headship. When God’s perfect order is overthrown then the only result is chaos.
With every law, commandment, dictate and standard there is responsibility, and this is the rub. Sinful mankind is not responsible, he balks at responsibility and cannot endure responsibility because it is a great burden to bear. With Federal headship came responsibility, and this was one of the failures of Adam. As head of his wife, Adam yielded his authority (not able to bear the burden of challenging Eve’s decision and action, or to act in truth and faith in His Creator God) and thus, he was charged with the blame and the shame of bringing sin and death into the world. The first assigned Federal Head of creation failed; consequently, the first marriage failed. They were no longer one flesh, but two distinct and separate entities. From this point onward the conflict between man and female would rage on. (As Adam failed to correct Eve in his position as Federal Head, consequently through his failure, he ceased to be Federal Head. Man, therefore, has been erroneously attempting to gain back that which Adam willingly surrendered by insisting on ruling Eves incorrectly). Man (for the most part and in most cultures and societies) became a tyrannical ruler over the female, and the female would become a seething seeker of revenge. Through time and through extremes of male and female interactions and counteractions, we have today reached the crest and the abyss of this male/female conflict. (In the book of Jeremiah, Chapter 31, verse 22, we have an extremely meaningful statement by God both literally and figuratively, How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man. Although this statement was primarily directed to Israel, it is a statement of prophecy when women will achieve extensive and controlling power over man.) Many refuse to learn of the beginning of this male/female conflict that it all began with headship; one refused headship, the other appropriated headship; one capitulated his headship, the other usurped headship. When God’s perfect order is overthrown then the only result is chaos. Six thousand years later (give or take a few years, days and seconds) we are at the culmination of headship overthrown . . . . CHAOS.
God instituted marriage based on His attributes. He is Head over ALL. He is Savior. He is the Determinator. He is the Nourisher. He is the Provider. He Sustains. He loves. He cherishes. He is the Role Model. Marriage is made strong when each member fulfills their individual role. Christ as the Head of the church fulfilled His role and continues to fulfill His role, however, as the first marriage on earth failed, so also the first church failed to fulfill their role because they had left their first love: Christ. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (Revelation 2:4) As God’s perfect order for marriage disintegrated century after century, so also, the church disintegrated century after century. As marriage went so also the union of Christ and the church went until finally the church OF the Laodiceans is now the standard of spiritual blind emptiness. Notice that in Revelation 3:14, everything that Christ is, the church is just the opposite. Christ is the faithful and true witness. Laodicea is the unfaithful and false witness. Christ is the beginning of the creation of God. Laodicea is the end and finality of God’s creation of His earthly church. God’s final call goes out to the individual, not to the collective in verses 20, 21 and 22.
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; (Revelation 3:14)
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (Revelation 3:15)
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16)
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (Revelation 3:17)
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (Revelation 3:18)
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (Revelation 3:19)
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Revelation 3:21)
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:22)
Laodicea which means ‘the people’s rights,’ has usurped God’s rights. Laodicea, the world church, has appropriated Christ’s right of Headship. As the institution of God’s perfect order of marriage has collapsed through rebellion, the church (the professing church not the possessing church) has also collapsed through rebellion against not holding His Headship as preeminent. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (Ephesians 5:23) This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:32) The mystery lies not in the failure of the earthly church versus the spiritual church, but the mystery lies in Christ maintaining and keeping the voice of His Spirit in every born-again ones. The mystery is Christ JOINED as a loving caring faithful husband to His love, His church, and making His church His Body. Christ cannot be separate from His Body, the Church. As flesh and bone cannot be separated from each other as the bone structure is strengthened by being united together, tied together, so the outward visible flesh is the cohesive witness of the inner whole. Christ and His Church is bone and flesh eternally joined. He is the bone (our strength) and we are the flesh (His witnesses). And Adam said, This [is] now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. (Genesis 2:23) The first earthly marriage of two becoming one because they were both formed from one can be compared to the spiritual marriage between two becoming one because they have been formed from One into one. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (Ephesians 5:30) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1st Corinthians 12:13) Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (1st Corinthians 12:27)
This is the timeless mystery. This is a great mystery. Christ AND the church is one; therefore, being a member of His Body should we not reverence Him. He came first, He is the preeminent One, He is the Head, He is the visible body of the Godhead bodily, therefore, let us show reverence to our Head. This is the mystery of Headship. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:32) Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Ephesians 5:33)
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Mystery of Goodness
9. The ninth mention of mystery is recorded in Ephesians 6:19 and is made known as the mystery of the gospel. And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. The gospel means ‘the good news’ or ‘the good message.’ How could ‘good news’ be a mystery? The gospel was a mystery during the time period of the Old Testament, but the supernatural announcement of this ‘good news’ divided time in such a unique occurrence that every time that we place a date on a document, or write the date on our computers, or look at a calendar we are made aware of the ‘good news.’ (This is one of the reasons why those who hate ‘good news’ have attempted to change the definition of time, and to remove all ‘good news’ from minds: B.C. (‘Before Christ’ has been altered to B.C. E. (Before Common Era) and A.D. (in the year of our Lord – ‘Anno Domini’) has been altered to C. E. (Common Era.) This new dating system removes the birth of Christ as the dividing point in history to another form of dating system without Christ as the Center of all time. They (haters of God) chose a word that is quite suitable for their twisted hearts . . . . common. They are truly common, nothing special about them, and they do not desire ‘good news.’
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10)
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (Luke 2:12)
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, (Luke 2:13)
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:14)
The supernatural announcement of good tidings of great joy, was to all people. This is what divided the history of mankind . . . . good news, good tidings to ALL people that the Savior of ALL of mankind had come. This marvelous supernatural announcement came at night when mankind was at their darkest spiritual point without any hope. All the realms of mankind: politically, socially, economically, and religiously were in dire need of goodness, and specifically the goodness of God. Three thousand years of mankind spiraling out of control led to that moment in time when God (in the fullness of time) manifested Himself to be The Good News to ALL people. This was the mystery of the gospel, the mystery of the good news, and the mystery of the good message. What was this mystery? The mystery was that God was offering earth His peace, and good will toward men. Since the creation of man on earth, and since man (Adam) brought sin into the world, and by sin came death to all of mankind, man has been at enmity with God. Adam (who represents all of the race of mankind) was the last human being to know the peace of God, and the peace with God. Peace is something that man cannot understand; therefore, he invents peace as something that is opposite to war. Inner peace has become a psychological study, or a religious discussion, and outward peace has become the evidence of economic security. But true PEACE is not in our range of vision (spiritually or tangibly).
This great supernatural announcement of the good news of God offering His peace and His goodwill toward His creatures of the race of man and to the natural realm, a Savior, called the Christ (Messiah) the Lord (God), was the greatest good news that the natural realm had ever been privileged to witness and to document. This is the one moment in our timeline that haters of God detest . . . . God visibly (through His unseen realm became seen) reached out to His creatures and offered them peace and good will. (It is no wonder that they are currently attempting to initiate a new dating system.) And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. This prophecy in Daniel 7:25 speaks of the changing of time. Everything that the devil sets as a goal to accomplish against God always begins with little things, the little foxes, the little steps, little white lies, little half-truths, little misinformation, little mistakes, little errors, little actions, but these little things at its introduction eventually become huge overbearing burdensome weapons to overthrow and overcome God’s people. Just a simple redefining of a dating system is not so simple after all.
Another lie that Satan has perpetrated onto humanity is the lie that this announcement was God calling for ‘world peace,’ a peace among mankind. That was NOT God’s announcement at all. It was peace and good will TOWARD men from GOD. From this lie of ‘peace of the world,’ and ‘peace among men’ has come a doctrine that spins the fabrication that mankind can achieve and experience peace outside of the conditions set by the Creator. Mankind will NEVER know true sustaining peace without God as the Center of peace. Also, this doctrine of sinful man achieving ‘world peace’ has evolved into another lie: that only when the church has converted all to their imaginative Christianity will Christ come for His church. (Christ will come for His Church when all is in ruin, to remove His Church from the tangible and spiritual corruption that the world church (under the power of Satan) has created. Scripture more than instructs us on the condition that the world will be in at the translation. Whether pre-trib, post-trib, no trib, half trib, maybe trib . . . . one thing is sure and clear that the world will be in a mess, in utter ruin, under strong delusion having hardened hearts, twisted souls, and diseased bodies and minds from designer plagues; yet those who inhabit this planet of death will claim to be as gods.) Man loves to play imagination: he imagines that world peace can be established by evil warring politicians, and he imagines that peace between man and man will finally be realized when every person becomes equal economically (in poverty), equal intellectually (in stupidity), equal socially (in slavery), and when all will equally worship themselves as gods. (Before the conspiracy and election coup of 2020, and the plandemic, and the lack of the ability of the masses to reason, I could not fully understand how deeply mankind had willingly accepted the strong delusion of the lies of Satan and the lies of his secret religious ministers, and Satan’s not so secretive political agents of propaganda, but having heard and seen this delusion in action I can now understand the fullness of man’s evil imaginations.) But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2nd Timothy 3:13) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (2nd Thessalonians 2:11)
The gospel, ‘the good news,’ ‘the good message, ‘ was the good tidings of great joy to all people. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10) Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people was only the beginning of the mystery of the gospel, or the mystery of good tidings. This was a monumental moment deliberately placed into the time frame of humanity by the determinate counsels of God. That night in a pasture field outside of the city of Bethlehem, heaven opened to man and the spiritual realm of angels descended gloriously proclaiming tidings of great joy . . . . the gospel . . . that a Savior had come, Christ the Lord — God with us, as a babe, bringing the peace of God and the goodness of God to ALL PEOPLE.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (Luke 2:8) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (Luke 2:9) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (Luke 2:12) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, (Luke 2:13) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:14)
Side Note: The Gospel Prophesied. Good Tidings in Prophecy.
• O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift [it] up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! (Isaiah 40:9)
• The first [shall say] to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings. (Isaiah 41:27)
• How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! (Isaiah 52:7)
• The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound; (Isaiah 61:1) Isaiah (through inspiration) wrote of a future time when the gospel, the good tidings, would be proclaimed to Israel, and to the cities of Judah. Behold your God! God will visibly come to dwell among you, Behold your God! O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift [it] up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! (Isaiah 40:9) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (Luke 2:12) Although God is a God of mysteries, He is also a God who desires to reveal His mysteries to man. He desires that His creatures would KNOW Him, and prophecy is one of His avenues of revelation. What was pronounced in the Old Testament in the book of Isaiah was fulfilled in a two prong revelation: first, at the supernatural birth of Christ when the angels said, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men, revealing ‘Behold your God,‘ and God’s goodness toward men; the second part was when Christ opened the pages from the prophet Esaias, and read the words in Chapter 61:1; thus, again revealing that He was God’s good tidings to man, and He was God’s goodness to man.
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. (Luke 4:16)
And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, (Luke 4:17)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (Luke 4:18)
To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:19)
And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. (Luke 4:20)
And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. (Luke 4:21) ♦End of Side Note. The Gospel Prophesied. Good Tidings in Prophecy.
What was this mystery of the gospel? The mystery was that God was offering earth His peace, and His good will toward men. The goodness of God is a part of the gospel that still remains a mystery to many today. God’s goodness allows us to be the beneficiaries of His grace and mercy. It is no light thing that the world, the rebellious world, should be offered an opportunity to once again have peace with God: a peace treaty offered by the One who was offended. For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (Psalm 86:5) The mystery of the gospel is that there IS a gospel, and that there IS good tidings for ALL people because without the goodness of God mankind would have no Savior, no Redeemer, no Mediator, no hope of salvation and no peace with God.
The third part of the mystery of the gospel is that it was to all people. Herein, again we have the goodness of God. God offered HIS goodness to all of mankind. God offered HIS peace to all of mankind. This lie of ‘world peace’ and ‘peace between man’ is repeated year after year at what we call the Christmas season through the twisted meaning of the words ‘peace on earth.’ Lies are formed through changing meanings or redefining words and lies are also formed through omissions.
One omission is that God offered His peace and His good will THROUGH A SAVIOR, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10, and 11, proclaims the core of God’s peace and good will was in Christ the Savior and Lord, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. NO Christ and NO peace and NO good will. KNOW Christ and KNOW peace and KNOW God’s good will. It’s as simple as that. The mystery deepens because God offered earth His peace, and His good will toward men based and built ONLY on the sacrifice of His Son and Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the mystery of the gospel, the mystery of the good news, and the good message that has been made known to mankind . . . . to ALL of mankind, and throughout ALL ages of mankind, and throughout ALL the world of mankind. BUT, and for many, there is a BUT. . . . because many attempting to distract from their own guilt and need, point to the heathen and say, But what about the poor heathen . . . you know, those who throughout all the ages could not read, nor did they have the Bible, nor did they ever hear a missionary. Did God forget the heathen? No, God did not forget the heathen. In fact, God (through His Spirit) left us a record of the heathen (past heathens) and a message to the present and future heathens).
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:17)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (Romans 1:18)
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (Romans 1:19)
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:20)
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (Romans 1:21)
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (Romans 1:22)
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (Romans 1:23)
No one can accuse God of being heartless, it is man who is heartless. No one will be able to accuse God of being unrighteous, it is man who is unrighteous. Unrepentant Jew, Gentile, or heathen are all without excuse because since the beginning of time God has always provided a witness of His existence and power. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (Psalm 19:1) Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. (Acts 14:17) It was God’s goodness that witnessed to the world.
The mystery of the gospel is founded on the goodness of God for His creatures. We see the goodness of God in the earth number of four.
• Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:8)
• Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:15)
• Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:21)
• Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!(Psalm 107:31)
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The Mystery of Revelation
10. Although the word mystery is recorded four times in the book of Colossians, it is one mystery hidden in four different fibers of one thread. The first fiber: it was a mystery once hidden, but now made manifest, [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (Colossians 1:26)
Mystery of the Indwelling of Christ
The second fiber of our spiritual thread, it is the mystery of the indwelling Spirit of Christ within the true believers of Christ, called His Body or His Church. To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27)
The Mystery of Fathership
This mystery, the third fiber, is therefore, centered in God. That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; (Colossians 2:2)
The Mystery of Sonship
And because it is centered in God, the fourth fiber of this mystery revolves around the mystery of Christ because He is the express image of God. Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: (Colossians 4:3) Let us, therefore, take one fiber at a time from this four colored thread and attempt to see what the Holy Spirit of God desires us to understand about this particular mystery. But an interesting thing happens whenever you attempt to separate the fibers from a thread, they cling to each other as a magnet, as you pull on one fiber it draws another fiber to itself. This natural thread unveils a spiritual thread: that what God joins together is not divisible. As the Godhead is not divisible, this four-fiber thread reinforces this concept of indivisibleness.
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:21) And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: (John 17:22) I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:23)
At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (John 14:20)
• [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (Colossians 1:26) This particular mystery is no longer a mystery, but only those who are the sons of God, the children of God, know this mystery (but now is made manifest to his saints). We may not be able to express the understanding of this mystery, but we have the evidence and witness of this mystery within us, and that is the mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We have the hope of glory, and we live in the riches of the glory of this mystery because God has given us a foretaste of what awaits us in glory. We not only have the hope of glory, but God through the Holy Spirit and the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ within has given us a supernatural spiritual experience outside of all natural experiences, so much so, that many Christians have been asked this same question, What happened when you said that you were born again? What happened to you? What happened that made you change? But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. (1st Corinthians 2:14) And no matter what you tell them of your new birth experience, they simply cannot understand because it is a mystery to them, for only the saved can understand. How can anyone who is not saved, and who does not have the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ understand the mystery of Christ in you, the hope of glory. Every spiritual birth is different, yet they are all the same. [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (Colossians 1:26)
To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27) This mystery was made manifest only to the saints of God. Every child of God born of the Spirit of God are the only ones who have Christ within, the hope of glory. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9)
• Although every born-again believer knows this mystery that He has the Spirit of God dwelling within, what is in this mystery? It is the mystery of the Spirit of God which is also the Spirit of Christ that dwells within His children. To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27) Believers know in part because we possess the evidence of this mystery within ourselves, but on the other hand, we do not know the other part of the mystery of Christ within which is the supernatural greatness of God’s love to dwell with man and in man yet to be realized in the glorified state. We know in part now, but we will know in glory the perfection of His Spirit within. This is part of the mystery although known now is yet to be realized in glory.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (1st Corinthians 13:9)
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (1st Corinthians 13:10)
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (1st Corinthians 13:11)
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1st Corinthians 13:12)
In this tenth mention of mystery the riches of the glory of this mystery of God will be perfected in us in glory, and this is part of the riches that await us in glory. To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27) Having a measured taste of the Spirit of God within us now in the natural tangible body of the flesh is a glimpse of the hope of what lies before us, and with us, and in us in glory; the glory yet to come when God’s promises to us will be completely fulfilled. True believers in Christ are living the evidence of the fulness of the glory that awaits us, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. . . . but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. This is the mystery of what awaits every believer in glory that they will behold His glory in His completeness of perfection. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24)
• That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; (Colossians 2:2) We are reading the tenth mention of mystery.
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; ( Colossians 2:1)
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; (Colossians 2:2)
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: (Colossians 4:3)
In this tenth mention in the book of Colossians, the lead verse connects the truths given to us in this book to the conflict that Laodicea will be engaged in. For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; ( Colossians 2:1) Stay on board with me because this tenth mention of mystery which was written to the Colossians was also the conflict that Laodicea faced in that age and what the last and seventh Laodicean church is currently facing in our age. You are probably thinking that after reading the epistle to the Colossians that you do not see a conflict. Well, there was a conflict because every epistle written by Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God keyed into a doctrinal and practical problem that was already visible in the church. In the church at Colosse their conflict was the soft and gentle enticements from the world of philosophy as the church settled into their surroundings and became comfortable with the social issues of their culture causing many to question Christ as their Creator God, and His power and Person of the Godhead bodily.
Ritualism was promoted and rewarded. The problems within Colosse later overthrew the church of the Laodiceans. Just by reading the letter to the seventh church of the Laodiceans and you can see the germ of unfaithfulness in the church at Colosse. Paul had to remind those in the Colossian church who Christ was and what Christ did, and what Christ was doing.
Drawing these fibers together we have, therefore, what was once hidden from man now revealed TO HIS SAINTS; Christ dwells within every child of God, and consequently, we are shown His glory and His riches that is our hope of glory; and because of this mystery of the Spirit of Christ within every child of God we are comforted, knit together with Him, and have the assurance of what awaits us in glory; that as God is in Christ and as Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Father of all, we also as His adopted children are joined in love to Christ; and that He has given to every child, as a servant of His, a door to speak of His mysteries. And in these four points there is the point of cohesion that melds all together . . . . it is seen in the ninth verse of Chapter 2 in Colossians. It is the last mention of the word Godhead.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. This is also a mystery of God.
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Mystery of Iniquity
11. This eleventh mention of the word mystery is found in 2nd Thessalonians 2:7, For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way. The study of the mystery of iniquity is a vast undertaking because it began before space time of mankind. It had a beginning before time, and it continued on into time, and this mystery remains a mystery to many today. Nimrod (the Rebel), Babel (Confusion), Shinar (Confusion) and Babylon (Confusion) are all built on the mystery of iniquity; therefore, you will most probably come in contact with this verse many times if you continue on with this series called Men of Renown.
Side Note: Babel (Confusion), Shinar (Confusion), and Babylon (Confusion): Just in case there are those reading this article who have not taken my advice to begin at the beginning of Nimrod, I must repeat a previous statement in order that you may better understand why the word ‘Confusion’ is attached to Babel, Shinar, and Babylon. “Babel, Shinar and Babylon all mean confusion. Although Babel, Babylon, and Shinar all have the same meaning, within each name there is a root of a specific form of confusion. There is the confusion of languages, communication (Babel), there is the confusion of the mixing and intermingling of peoples, the break down of families, and of nations (Shinar), and there is mental, physical and spiritual confusion (Babylon) at its completeness of madness. Each name typifies a distinctive area of confusion: verbal/communication; individual relationships of family and national loyalties; physical confusion in male and female roles and responsibilities; emotional confusion in requiring some form of emotional stability through drugs, pharma, games, and illusions of soundness; and spiritual confusion caused by contrary doctrines, contrary beliefs, contrary voices, for God is not the author of confusion. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (1st Corinthians 14:33) Babylon symbolizes mankind overcome by his own evil will. A will centered around sin; sin so intractably vile that man can no longer reason outside the parameters of his own fantasies; unfettered sin is madness unrestrained.” This may clear up for many of you why the world appears to be in such chaos. We (all elements of society) are in the transition phase from the confusion as represented by Shinar to complete madness of confusion as represented by Babylon. Being prepared for Babylon requires that every element of society must be made ready to fit into the last phase of humanity. ♦ End of Side Note.
If you want to draw a crowd to a church meeting, or to a Bible study, all you have to do is to promote the word PROPHECY. Most people, especially those who do not know much about the Bible are drawn to prophecy like flies to decaying matter. However, prophecy is not decaying matter; it is living evidence that every word of God is true. Prophecy is more than matter; it is the spiritual substance of light transforming shadows of darkness past to visions of reality future. It is a good means to draw people out of curiosity, it is too bad that many only seek out of curiosity.
I have heard it all, from the fallacy of aliens as angels among us to spaceships, and flying fiery BMW’s, you name it, I have heard it! Yes, the Bible is a Supernatural book, and it has a Supernatural Author, but there is a big difference between The Supernatural and man’s stupidity and uncontrollable imagination rushing into things that he does not want to understand unless it is handed to him in an ice cream cone. Most curious people are also lazy people, they do not want to read what the Bible has to say about their questions of prophecy. They not only do not want to read, but they do not want to reason. Sometimes people who prepare the food and who set the table get tired and frustrated when they are also required to chew the food to make it easier for others to swallow the food. Nevertheless, I will continue on not only for those who are only curious and cannot chew, but also for those who are genuinely seeking.
All these questions, such as, Who is the Antichrist, . . . or . . . who will be the Antichrist? . . . . or, when and how will this person appear? . . . or, is he on earth today? . . . . or, what country will he originate from? . . . . all the answers to these questions are in Scripture . . . . but the answers are not all in one place. This is how God taught Israel and continues to teach Israel today . . . . and this is how God the Holy Spirit teaches all today . . . . line by line, precept by precept, here a little, and there a little.
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. (Isaiah 28:9)
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (Isaiah 28:10)
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. (Isaiah 28:11)
To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. (Isaiah 28:12)
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. (Isaiah 28:13)
Slowly read and take in ALL that is within the following section of Scripture. Notice that God’s realm of the Supernatural has two distinct powers of influence. The point that most people follow is Satan’s Antichrist is called the man of sin, the son of perdition, and that Wicked . . . . he is not called ‘that Wicked one,’ but he has the title of ‘Wicked,’ indicating that he is the essence, and the root, and the totality of all that is wicked. Satan’s talents lies in imitation and in camouflage. He copies various aspects and attributes of God’s Christ at a much lower level of carnality and spiritually because Satan cannot create anything new, all that he uses has already been created by God. Thus. Satan’s man of sin is (God calls him) the son of perdition because he is the son of the devil who is destined to hell versus God’s Son who is called the Son of God. The son of perdition is called (by God) man of sin versus God’s Son, who is called the Son of man. Everything that Christ is, Lucifer has tried to replicate in another manner: such as another Jesus, another spirit, and another gospel. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him]. (2nd Corinthians 11:4) God reveals through the title Wicked that Satan’s man of sin, the son of perdition is also called Wicked which is a title for the complete fullness of wickedness which is the core root within Satan. As Colossians Chapter 2, verses 9 reveals to us that IN Christ is the fullness of ALL that is God in bodily form, For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, so God also shows us that IN this man of sin, the son of perdition is the fullness in bodily form of the Antichrist ALL that is in Satan: called Wicked . . . . Godhead versus Wicked . . . . (the trinity of evil 6-6-6 versus the three personalities within the Godhead). Read the following slowly.
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (2nd Thessalonians 2:1)
That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (2nd Thessalonians 2:2)
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (2nd Thessalonians 2:3)
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (2nd Thessalonians 2:4)
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (2nd Thessalonians 2:5)
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. (2nd Thessalonians 2:6)
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (2nd Thessalonians 2:7)
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: (2nd Thessalonians 2:8)
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (2nd Thessalonians 2:9)
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (2nd Thessalonians 2:10)
Satan’s man will be revealed for who he really is. But there are things that MUST happen first: a falling away first. Don’t you love how the Spirit of God connects so much through one little word; the word is falling. Satan fell from his first estate and position of prominence to this planet called Earth, his rogue rebellious angelic followers were immediately confined and bound in everlasting chains under darkness waiting for their final judgment.
• And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. (Jude 1:6)
• For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (2nd Peter 2:4)
• Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly: (Job 4:18)
This great saga of rebellion and war in the heavens is beyond our total comprehension and understanding because it took place in another sphere, another realm that is also beyond our comprehension and understanding. And because we (the human race) have been especially created to dwell in time and space it is beyond our ability to understand things that are not of time nor of space. Since the Holy Spirit can reach into both realms and into time and timelessness at the same time, His words are pure perfection to our understanding, and it is through His revelation to us that we are led to understand things beyond our understanding.
• And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. (Luke 10:18)
• And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (Revelation 12:7) And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (Revelation 12:8) And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:9)
Yes, Satan and his angels fell from their position and place because they left their first estate, which was the realm of the righteousness and holiness of God. As these beings of another species (I use the term ‘species’ very loosely here in regard to angels) took it upon themselves to challenge the God who created them, so also, the species of mankind also took it upon themselves to challenge God, their Creator. And as this was not enough in the course of man’s rebellion, we have another rebellion that is not seen as a rebellion, but as a falling away.
Before the curtain of time swings open to reveal the man of sin, the man of Satan’s own mind, the son of Satan’s own heart, and the complete physical and tangible embodiment of Lucifer’s wicked being there has to be another falling away. This is the falling away from truth to error, this is the false church falling away from the truth of God, this is the professing church falling away from their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The very first church in Church history was the church of Ephesus, and God the Holy Spirit (through the pen of John) accused this infant gathering of Christians that they had left their first love: Christ their Lord, King, Redeemer and Savior.
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; (Revelation 2:1)
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: (Revelation 2:2)
And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. (Revelation 2:3)
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (Revelation 2:4)
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (Revelation 2:5)
As Satan and his angels fell from their great position and honorable responsibility of serving their Creator God, the primitive early new born church also fell from their great position of service in love and responsibility to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A spiritual fall is very much like a gravitational fall. It’s the sudden stop that hurts. When a few millenniums is involved in the action of falling, then it may not appear as a fall at all, but a change in velocity or direction. Some may even view this fall as an improvement. It is truly beyond sadness when the realization hits that everything that was once held dear and true and secure in one’s belief of Christianity was nothing but smoke and mirrors, lies and stage craft, entertainment and fun-time-gospel. The fall of the church was and is a great fall, a great falling away indeed. If anyone is still reading, this falling away of the church is a contentious subject because too many love the church more than they love Christ and cannot see that as in every dispensation or period of time MAN FAILS. This is the fallen church, the failed church, the blind church, the naked church, the poor church, the wretched church because this church no longer has a true and solid Center: Christ . . . . thou hast left thy first love.
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; (Revelation 3:14)
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (Revelation 3:15)
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16)
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (Revelation 3:17)
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (Revelation 3:18)
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (Revelation 3:19)
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Revelation 3:21)
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:22)
The church failed because man became the center. The church failed because man dictates the ministry and who ministers. The church failed because it refused to judge sin within the church: thinking that ignoring sin protected the church. However, the church did not need protection from man because Christ, who is the Head of the Church, is the foundation of the Church and God’s foundation stands sure and true. (2nd Timothy 2:19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Side Note: We are living the lessons of the past. We are to learn from lessons past of the failure of those who handled the things of God and were close to the precious articles of God. As you read the following verses, ask yourself, What angered God? Why did Uzzah die?
Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. (2nd Samuel 6:1)
And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. (2nd Samuel 6:2)
And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. (2nd Samuel 6:3)
And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark. (2nd Samuel 6:4)
And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals. (2nd Samuel 6:5)
And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. (2nd Samuel 6:6)
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. (2nd Samuel 6:6)
Uzzah attempted to prevent the ark of God from falling. You may think that this was a good thing, but it was not. Because of Uzzah’s familiarity with the ark being in his home for twenty years he had lost reverence for the ark; he thought of the ark as being merely an object of worship. And an object needed to be protected. This is how many churched people feel about the things of God. That God cannot protect His own, nor His things, nor His people, not His Body, therefore, man must act in the place of God. The failure of Uzzah to understand that his position was to walk beside the cart, and to drive the CART . . . . it was NOT the ARK that Uzzah was to protect, but his position was related to the cart and to the animals that carried the cart. This failure to understand the Christians’ role in the Body of Christ was the same failure of Uzzah in understanding what his role was during this great event recorded in 2nd Samuel, Chapter 6. (Interesting . . . that in this number 6, we again see man acting on his own outside of God’s mind and will.) Yes, the church failed because man refused Christ as the active Head of the church; and instead, self-proclaimed in men (who had usurped the authority from the Spirit of Christ) chose other self-proclaimed men to act in the place of Christ. No man is a substitute for Christ, no man can forgive another of sin, and no man can act as God’s representative on earth. Neither has anyone the right to add to the Body of Christ, nor to remove anyone from the Body of Christ. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.
What occurred around the Ark of the Covenant in the past as documented in 2nd Samuel Chapter 6 is exactly the same failure within the church. I will try to be brief: The Israelites failed to recognize what the Ark of the Covenant was? The Israelites failed to obey the word of God when the Ark was being transported from one location to another location. The Israelites took it upon themselves to create another method to transport The Ark by ‘a new cart.’ Those who gathered in this proud march were the elite and chosen men of Israel, but where were the chosen priests of God? Whenever The Ark traveled it HAD to be COVERED. And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it: (Numbers 4:5) And shall put thereon the covering of badgers’ skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof. (Numbers 4:6) God was manifested to His creatures in the body of Christ (represented by the badgers’ skin, the skin of a dead animal which Adam bore also symbolizing that he bore sin on himself, carried sin on his body, as Christ bore the sin of the world on His body). Therefore, this badger’s skin was placed over The Ark. Then the cloth wholly of blue covered the badger’s skin, thus, hiding from view the sacrifice in the skin of a dead animal . . . . for God could not look on sin. You see that this Ark that was given to Israel represented God’s holiness from God’s viewpoint. What man saw first was the holiness of God represented by the cloth wholly of blue. Then what man could not see was the sin sacrifice in the badger’s skin covered the Ark and the Mercy-seat on the Ark of the Covenant. And only when the Ark was properly draped could the Ark move forward. The Israelites allowed The Ark to be seen without the His sacrifice. (As the failed church stripped God’s holiness and God’s sacrifice away from the people and made Christ (the Ark and the Mercy-seat) a common object to be moved at will outside of God’s word.) Do you see any comparison between The Ark in 2nd Samuel and The Ark in Christ in the New Testament church.
Those who marched behind that Ark in 2nd Samuel are the same as those who attach themselves to Christ today: the elite, the chosen by men, but not the true followers of Christ because the true followers of Christ follow only the Son of man whose body was sacrificed, and they follow the heavenly (cloth wholly of blue) in the Son of God. Only the true priests of God can celebrate with joy the presence of God. This was and is another failure of the church: to create a double standard of worshipers: the clergy and the layman . . . . the religious elite and the religious lower class, thus, denying the sonship and joint-heirship of the sons of God.
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:10)
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1st Peter 2:5)
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1st Peter 2:9)
Those who follow Christ on a new cart are as those today who follow another Christ, another Spirit and another gospel. Do you see the comparison between the failures of the past with Israel to the failure of the church today? There is so much more in the 6th Chapter of 2nd Samuel, but I did write that I was going to try to keep it brief. This failure to understand the Christians’ role in the Body of Christ was the same failure of Israel and of David and of Uzzah in understanding what their roles were during this great event recorded in 2nd Samuel, Chapter 6. ♦ End of Side Note.
Now where were we? We were at the things that MUST happen before the person who is called the man of sin, the son of perdition, (and as many know him as the 6-6-6 —) before Wicked is revealed. Something MUST happen and WILL happen at the falling away of the church . . . . for the church has already fallen away many years past. We, may be not ‘we’ but many may already realize that the church is in ruin, so therefore, this part of prophecy has already been accomplished, so therefore, what is the NEXT thing that MUST happen before Satan is revealed IN his manifestation in the body of his Antichrist?
He, he be taken out of the way, is the Spirit of Christ, the Comforter of the sons of God. God has been rejected many times by many nations; Israel has also rejected God many times; and the church has rejected God many times. The rejection of God has played out in the rejection of His Person: (God the Father has been rejected, God the Son has been rejected, and God the Spirit has been rejected). However, in this particular rejection of the Spirit of Christ there will be a major spiritual shift and tectonic divide such as never has ever happened in man’s experience. Of course, there is yet much more to be said about the Spirit of Christ being removed from the earth, and yet, we need to continue on with the eleventh mention of the word mystery. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way. The thread of the mystery of iniquity will also continue on further in this article or maybe in the next article because the mystery of iniquity will not end until The End.
The removal of the Church from the Earth is often called ‘the Rapture,’ but Scripture refers to it as translated in the New Testament, and in the Old Testament this event was recorded as Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven (2nd Kings 2:11) and And Enoch walked with God: and he [was] not; for God took him. (Genesis 5:24) Then in the book of Hebrews, the Spirit of God confirms Enoch was translated, By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. When the Spirit of God goes, so will the Church go. When the Spirit of God is removed from this world, so also will the Church be removed from this world . . . . and of course, this is another major topic of prophecy . . . . and this is another article outrunning in my spirit and in my mind to be written. I am debating whether to add it as a Side Note or as a separate article. (Waiting on the Lord for His leading . . . . and while waiting I will continue with the next mention of the word mystery.)
—— ♦——
Mystery of the Faith
12. This twelve mention of the word mystery is found in 1st Timothy 3:9, Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. In this same Chapter there is another mystery mentioned, And 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. (1st Timothy 3:16) These two mysteries are the last of our series of the word mystery before God opens up the mysteries revealed in the last book of the Bible, the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
I again suggest that you read the complete 3rd Chapter to set the scene: who is this first phrase directed to and why? Fifteen verses are specifically directed to those with the responsibility of the oversight of a gathering of Christians. (Always . . . . ALWAYS remember that there is no such thing in the Body of Christ (the Church) a division of servants as clergy and laymen, but there are, however, different assignments (gifts) BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD of SERVICE.) No one servant is greater or above other servants, all are equal together as one unit with various and different gifts to enable the Body of Christ to function according to the measure of faith.
The 3rd Chapter of 1st Timothy was directed to those who served others in an orderly and proper fashion in the visible gathering of Christians. Since God is a God of order and not of confusion His church must exemplify order. One of the tragedies that the newborn church faced and failed at was not understanding that they were the beginning of a totally new entity that was NOT to be built on an old system. When men with hidden agenda’s crept into their gatherings, they of course, did not have the Spirit of Christ within, and therefore, they desired to imitate the old Jewish system of the Aaronic priesthood. These two separate systems could not merge and maintain its original purpose of godly service without destroying the intent and purpose of the newly forming church. Thus, the new baby in the neighborhood of religion became an object to be controlled, stunted, suppressed and to be forced into a mold of a ruined system rejected by God; this new baby was not appreciated as a new living organism created by God to be a completely separated entity which would be led and controlled by the Spirit of Christ alone. Consequently, this new baby was divided into two factions: the possessors of the Spirit of God, and the professors of God.
These two last mentions of the word mystery in 1st Timothy 3:9, 16 are connected to each other. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience . . . . . And 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. The connection is simply (or not so simple) that those in the orderly true invisible Church of God should HOLD faithfully on to the TRUTH of God.
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. (Philippians 2:16)
And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. (Colossians 2:19)
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: (1st Timothy 1:19)
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (1st Timothy 3:9)
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (Titus 1:9)
• WE are to HOLD . . . . forth the word of life.
• WE are to HOLD . . . . the Head.
• WE are to HOLD . . . . faith, and a good conscience.
• WE are to HOLD . . . .the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
• WE are to HOLD . . . . fast the faithful word.
An interesting point to notice when reading the 3rd Chapter in 1st Timothy is that the entire Chapter (except for the very last verse) deals with the proper church order, but the last verse stands out as not being connected with the previous verses. But the last verse (And 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) is the reason why there must be order in the church. This last verse reveals the complete mystery of faith. There is yet much more to be written about the mystery of godliness, but the Spirit of God is precise and concise.
And 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.
We have just begun our study of the mystery of Babylon via Nimrod – Babel and Shinar. To entice you further to follow along in this study I will merely show you what lies ahead in the final words of mystery.
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. (Revelation 1:20)
But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. (Revelation 10:7)
And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. (Revelation 17:5)
And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. (Revelation 17:7)
Men of renown is a companion piece to Giants in the Earth series.
© Copyright 2022, Mary Haigh
This article may be used, but not for gain. Freely ye have received, freely give.
All Scripture references are from the King James Bible. (KJV)