Unveiling the Mystery of the Gospel (Part 3 of 5)

Unveiling the Mystery of the Gospel (Part 3 of 5)

The Witness of the Scriptures

"...But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God..." — Romans 16:26a

The Doctrine: Scriptural Confirmation

Paul now adds another layer to the unveiling of the mystery: its manifestation is not only by divine decree but also "by the scriptures of the prophets" (Romans 16:26). This phrase emphasizes that the revelation of the mystery is consistent with, and confirmed by, the prophetic writings of Scripture. The doctrine here is one of Scriptural Harmony—the truth that the mystery, though hidden in God, does not contradict the prophetic record but stands in perfect alignment with it. The everlasting God commands its revelation, and the Scriptures bear witness to its validity (Romans 1:2–3; Acts 10:43).

Extracting the Truth in Context

The phrase "but now is made manifest" continues the dispensational contrast Paul has been drawing (Colossians 1:26–27). What was once hidden is now revealed, and this revelation is not detached from the written Word. The "scriptures of the prophets" serve as a validating witness, showing that the mystery fits within the broader framework of God’s eternal plan. Importantly, Paul is not saying the prophets themselves understood or foretold the mystery (Ephesians 3:4–5); rather, the revealed mystery now sheds light on the prophetic writings, demonstrating their coherence with God’s eternal purpose. In context, this means that the believer’s stability (Romans 16:25) and understanding of the mystery (Romans 16:25b) are reinforced by the authority of Scripture, which stands as a divine testimony to the manifestation of God’s plan.

Personalizing the Truth

For the believer, this truth provides assurance that faith is not built on speculation or private revelation but on the written Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17). The Scriptures of the prophets, though they did not reveal the mystery, now serve as a backdrop against which the mystery shines with clarity. This means your faith is both historically rooted and presently revealed. You can trust that the Gospel you believe is not a novelty or human invention—it is the eternal God’s command (Titus 1:2–3), confirmed by the prophetic Scriptures and manifested in Christ. This should give you confidence that your faith rests on a foundation that spans both the hidden counsel of God and the written testimony of His Word.

Apply the Truth

To apply this doctrinal truth, you must approach the Scriptures with reverence and diligence (Acts 17:11). Recognize that the prophetic writings are not obsolete but are illuminated by the revelation of the mystery. Let this drive you to study both Old and New Testaments with fresh eyes, seeing how God’s eternal plan unfolds in harmony (Luke 24:27). When doubts arise, anchor yourself in the written Word, knowing that the everlasting God has commanded this revelation and confirmed it by Scripture (Romans 10:17). Finally, let this truth shape your witness: when you proclaim the Gospel, you are declaring not only the mystery revealed "but now," but also the fulfillment of the Scriptures that testify to God’s eternal purpose (Romans 1:5; Matthew 28:19–20).