Fellow Heirs

by Mitchell Tan
February 05, 2020

THE PRIVILEGE OF KNOWING “THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST”

One of the greatest pieces of truth from the Scriptures is “the mystery of Christ.” The word “mystery” in the English language means something that is not understood or something beyond normal understanding. From the Biblical standpoint, it is a reference to something that was hidden in the past but now has been made known to all. This “mystery of Christ”, according to the dispensation of God’s grace, was made known through His servants to the world. It is indeed a great privilege that we can understand this truth today.

1. NOT REVEALED TO PAST GENERATIONS

“Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men …”
Ephesians 3:5

In the generations before Paul’s time, there were those who did not understand “the mystery of Christ”. They had some understanding about the gospel and the grace of the Lord in including the Gentiles in salvation. It had been prophesied that the Messiah will bring justice to the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:1). However, they did not understand the extent of salvation that would be given to them.

2. REVELATION THROUGH THE HOLY APOSTLES AND PROPHETS

“… As it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets …”
Ephesians 3:5

It was revealed to the holy apostles and prophets that the Gentiles would be included in God’s full plan of salvation. They were also redeemed by the blood of the Lord Jesus as the Jewish believers were. Their salvation would be in no way lesser than that of the Jews. They would have the same spiritual status in Christ. This was wonderfully revealed to Paul too (Ephesians 3:3). He in turn preached this to the whole world and wrote about it in his epistles. It is indeed a privilege to know this revelation.

THE RAMIFICATIONS OF UNDERSTANDING THE “MYSTERY OF CHRIST”

“… That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel”
Ephesians 3:6

What are the ramifications of understanding this revelation “the mystery of Christ”?

1. BEING FELLOW HEIRS

The Gentiles are to become fellow heirs with the Jewish believers. They would have all the blessings that the Jewish believers have. In Christ, the Ephesians have obtained an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11). There would be the riches of the glory of His inheritance given to His saints to be discovered (Ephesians 1:18). They would have an inheritance in heaven that cannot be taken away (1 Peter 1:4).

2. BEING PART OF THE SAME BODY

The Gentiles would also become part of the same body as the Jewish believers. There would be a deep sense of unity that both Jews and Gentiles can have in Christ. All believers, no matter what race we are, belong to the same body of Christ.

3. BEING PARTAKERS OF HIS PROMISE IN CHRIST

There was a time when Gentiles were strangers from the covenant of promise. However, in Christ, we are now joint partakers of the promise in Christ through believing in the gospel. We can partake of the covenants of promise and of the wonderful promise of eternal life in Christ.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. GRATITUDE TO GOD

Our hearts should be filled with deep gratitude as we appreciate the spiritual status that has been given to us. It is indeed a great privilege to know “the mystery of Christ” and to be fellow heirs and fellow partakers of the Lord’s promises.

2. CONCERN AND CARE FOR EACH OTHER

Being part of the same body should cause us to care for each other. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, we would be suspending all weekday and Saturday meetings for the moment. This is our way of looking out for each other. And being wise in dealing with this outbreak. Let’s learn to be concerned for each other and to seek to pray for each other during this crucial time. Let’s have a greater sense of bond in being part of the body of Christ.

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