Unveiling the Mystery of the Gospel (Part 4 of 5)
The Scripture
"...made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:" — Romans 16:26b
The Doctrine: Universal Proclamation
In this penultimate section of the doxology, Paul identifies the scope and the intent of the revealed mystery. The doctrine here is the Universal Mandate of the Gospel. In previous dispensations, God’s dealings were primarily focused on one nation, Israel, through a specific covenant. However, under the "commandment of the everlasting God," the mystery is now to be "made known to all nations." This is not a suggestion or a human missionary strategy; it is a divine decree. The intent of this proclamation is to produce "the obedience of faith"—a specific response where individuals from every tongue and tribe give their total allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Extracting the Truth in Context
To understand this in context, we must see how the "all nations" focus of the mystery differs from the prophetic program. While prophecy foretold that the nations would eventually come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord through a redeemed Israel, the mystery reveals a current dispensation where the message goes directly to the nations while Israel is in a state of temporary blindness. This is "made known" not to set up a political kingdom on earth, but to call out the Body of Christ from among all people. In the context of the whole passage, this universal reach is what the "Everlasting God" had in mind when He kept the secret since the world began. He was waiting for the moment to bypass national boundaries and offer salvation to all strictly through the cross and resurrection, leading to an "obedience" that is rooted entirely in "faith" rather than the works of the law or national identity.
Personalizing the Truth
For us, this truth destroys any sense of spiritual exclusion. No matter your background, heritage, or past, the commandment of the Everlasting God has made this message known to you. You are part of the "all nations" that Paul envisioned. This means your standing before God is not based on who you are or where you come from, but on your response to what has been made known. It also reminds you that the Gospel is larger than your local church or culture; it is a global, divine operation. When you respond in the "obedience of faith," you are joining a vast, heavenly Body that transcends every earthly border.
Apply the Truth
To apply this truth, you must align your perspective with God’s universal mandate.
- Recognize the Reach: Realize that the Gospel you believe is a "commanded" message intended for every person on earth. It carries a weight of authority that demands to be shared.
- Examine Your Obedience: Ask yourself if your faith has resulted in obedience. In this context, "obedience of faith" means taking God at His word and acting upon the truth of the mystery.
- Value the Body: Look at other believers, regardless of their nationality, as equal members of the Body of Christ, standing solely under the grace of the cross.
