DM#6: Before we can even begin with the ABC’s

Doctrine of the Mysteries #6

Before we can even begin with the ABC’s

The doctrine of the mysteries is a curriculum that can only be learned by those who have been regenerated in the spirit. The light of God’s written Word does not shine in the hearts of those who are lost. Paul tells us why in 1Cor 2:14, “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.” This curriculum is meant for the members of the Body of Christ, as it can only be understood in the mind of the spirit. It cannot be understood or received in the carnal mind.

2Cor 4:3-6 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. (6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

So, how then do we receive the mind of the spirit?

When a person responds in faith to the gospel of the grace of God, they are quickened in their spirit by the lifegiving power of the gospel. The spirit within them that is regenerated is known as ‘the new man” or “the inner man”. Paul refers to this new creature often in his writings. Just like the carnal mind of the old (or outer) man is corrupt and blinded to the things of God, it is the mind of this new (or inner) man that is in tune with the things of the Spirit of God.

Eph 4:21-24 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: (22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

For this purpose, the curriculum of Paul’s letters thus starts with a presentation of the gospel. Between chapters 1 to 5, we are exposed to the fact that all have sinned and fallen short of God. We are informed that righteousness with God is available in Christ alone and through faith in Him. Finally, in chapter 5, we are encouraged that by having faith in Christ, we are justified and at peace with God, having full access to the grace that is in Christ.

All are guilty and all have sinned

Rom 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; … Rom 3:9 … for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Both Gentiles and Jews have strayed from God. Gentiles, who, before the Word had become flesh, should have recognized the sovereignty of God in the creation itself, have given themselves over to the worship of idols and to all the destructive behaviour that follows the mistake of rejecting and not seeking for Him (Rom. 1:18–32). Jews, on the other hand, have become judgmental, hypocritical, and boastful that they are the people of God and have God’s laws. Paul summarizes both situations by saying, “All who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law” (Rom. 2:12).

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested

Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (22) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Romans chapters 1 to 5 are the very beginning of the journey into the mystery doctrine. Once we discover the truth of Jesus Christ and His cross work for us and have come under conviction, —which is the work of the Holy Spirit through the gospel, we can continue our spiritual education and start to get into the literal, ‘preschool’ ABC’s of the mysteries.