Being ignorant of the mystery is being wise in your own conceits

Being ignorant of the mystery is being wise in your own conceits

In Romans 11:25, the apostle Paul offers one of the most sobering appeals found in his writings: “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits...” This is no casual remark—it’s a Spirit-breathed warning to avoid a dangerous kind of self-assurance that blinds the believer to the truth of God’s current work. Paul is addressing the potential for pride that creeps in when spiritual ignorance is disguised as insight. And the antidote? Understanding the mystery revealed to him concerning the Body of Christ.

To be “wise in your own conceits” is to elevate human ideas—traditions, interpretations, emotional experiences—above the revealed truth of God’s Word. Conceit, by definition, is inflated self-regard. When applied to theology, it becomes a tragic substitute for submission to the Scriptures rightly divided. It’s the kind of wisdom that leans on the natural mind, not the Spirit’s illumination. Solomon warns against this posture: “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7), and Paul later echoes the same urgency in Romans 12:16.

But what is this “mystery” Paul doesn’t want the Church to be ignorant of? It is the sacred truth that was hidden in ages past and now revealed through Paul’s unique apostleship. The mystery is that God is forming a new, heavenly people—the Body of Christ—made up of Jew and Gentile alike, reconciled by grace through faith, and made righteous apart from the covenant promises and law given to Israel. This was not prophesied. It was not declared by the prophets of old. It was a new work, a secret kept by God until it was time to unveil it through Paul. As he explains in Ephesians 3:3-6 and Colossians 1:25-27, this mystery forms the foundation of the Church’s identity and calling today.

Embracing Correction and Truth

Embracing Correction and Truth

Spiritual maturity is a journey—a transformative process that challenges us to move beyond our own understanding and align our hearts and minds with the truth of God's Word. This growth often involves reproof and correction, two elements that may feel uncomfortable but are essential for shaping us into the image of Christ. As believers, we are called to renew our minds through Scripture, allowing God's wisdom to displace our own, and in doing so, we begin to understand the deeper truths of God’s word, His will and His judgements. 

The Galatian saints struggled with this, relying on their own efforts and clinging to the law of Moses instead of embracing the faith-centered doctrine that Paul taught. Their error lay in attempting to perfect themselves through fleshly endeavours rather than submitting to the transformative power of God's Word. This serves as a lesson for all believers: true transformation comes not from our own wisdom or actions, but from the renewing of our minds by Scripture alone. We cannot layer God's truth on top of our flawed thinking and expect to grow; instead, we must allow His Word to reshape us entirely. 

Acknowledging our need for correction is critical in this process. Paul warns in 2 Timothy 2:25-26 that those who oppose themselves are caught in the snare of the devil, unaware that they are walking in false doctrine. The first step to freedom is recognizing and admitting our errors. This attitude of humility helps us to change our mind and leads us back to the path of truth. Like the Galatians, we may sometimes find it difficult to accept correction, especially when it challenges deeply held beliefs or exposes areas of weakness. Yet, this willingness to embrace reproof is vital for spiritual growth. 

Edification through Reaction and Response

Edification through Reaction and Response

There have been a number of reactions, comments, and statements made from this post. I thought I'd post these for some reading and contemplation. I trust my replies will provide a suitable dispensational interpretation and correction on the doctrinal confusions or inconsistencies that come from mixing or blended dispensational content together. This post is purely educational. I trust you will either be edified by it, or that it will get you digging into the scriptures to prove that what I say is scripturally true. By no means to I try to appear arrogant or boastful. My motivation is to bring us all into seeking truth that is consistent and contextually correct. God bless.

For convenience, I apply bullets and italics to each comment or statement, and I respond to them below each.

Let's begin...

• I suggest anyone reading this thread put their faith in Christ and the Apostles over your new revelations. How God shows His approval of his saints is through the working of miracles. This was evident in the Book of Acts. There have been many saints over the last 2000 years who God has used to perform miracles.

In all honesty I must inform that you are operating under the wrong dispensation. Today we walk by faith, not sight, 2Co.5:7. It was the Jews in the prophetic program that required signs in order to believe their prophets and apostles, 1Co.1:22; Joh.4:48. Why, because God made a covenant with them to do signs and wonders before them, Ex.34:10. He did not make this covenant with us. In addition to that, consider truthfully what the real value of signs and miracles are. During Israel’s exodus they witnessed some of the greatest signs ever recorded, like the parting of the Red Sea and so forth. But soon after they forgot all about that spectacle and worshipped a golden calf. The value of these miracles for them appeared to mean nothing! Jesus performed more miracles than what books can contain, Joh.21:25, yet only 120 were in the upper room at Pentecost. What was the value of his miracles in the eyes of those Jews who wanted to crucify him? Nothing. Zero! Miracles might have a temporary hype and be beneficial to a few, but they are quickly forgotten. Today, there is something more perfect than signs. The completed canon of scripture, Col.1:25, which provides us knowledge and insights into God and His plan for humanity and creation. By studying this book, believing it, and applying it to one’s life it more profound, more powerful, and more permanent than any physical and temporary miracles.