August 4
“Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory,” 1 Timothy 3:16.
This chapter of Paul’s Letter to Timothy closes with what we might call a hymn of praise. “Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.” Paul begins by saying that the godly mystery of our salvation through the Gospel truths is generally known. While there are Christian truths which are way beyond our limited human wisdom and comprehension, what we teach and believe in the Christian Church is not hidden. Search the Scriptures. Holy Scripture is the only source and norm for all of our Christian teachings.
In Holy Scripture, we learn that, “God was manifested in the flesh.” This occurred when Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the Virgin Mary. Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah foretold that God would be manifested in the flesh. He wrote, “The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel,” Isaiah 7:14. The angel Gabriel announced the fulfillment of those words to the Virgin Mary: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God,” Luke 1:35.
The apostle John gives us a commentary on the words, “God was manifested in the flesh.” John wrote: “The Word became 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 1:14.
Scripture is filled with references declaring that Jesus Christ is God and Man in one Person. He is the Savior whom God promised to send into the world when Adam and Eve had sinned. That promise was fulfilled according to God’s plan. Paul wrote in his Epistle to the Galatians, “When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons,” Galatians 4:4-5.
Jesus was “justified in the Spirit.” He was a true man, but without sin. He had both a divine nature and a human nature. As the God-Man, He fulfilled the Law of God in our place and He suffered and died on the cross to redeem us from sin, death, and the power of the devil.
He was “seen by angels.” The angels in heaven announced His birth, witnessed His life, His works and wonders, His suffering and death and resurrection, and His ascension into heaven.
The message of Jesus as our only Savior is “preached among the Gentiles,” and “believed on in the world.” The glorious Gospel is preached throughout the world, and everywhere there are people who believe and trust in Him as their Savior.
When He had completed everything necessary for our salvation, He ascended into heaven and He was “received up in glory.” From heaven He is coming again, when He will raise the dead and receive all believers into the halls of heaven.
“The heavens shall ring with an anthem more grand
Than ever on earth was recorded;
The blest of the Lord shall receive at His hand
The crown to the victors awarded.
Have mercy upon us, O Jesus!” Amen.