THE PURPOSE OF GOD'S REVELATIONS.
There is one thing about which there can be no legitimate controversy, hence all attempts to dispute it—by whomsoever or from whatsoever standpoint—are fruitless attacks upon the truth. Writing by inspiration of the Spirit, the apostle Paul says that “without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.” 1 Tim. 3:16. Then it is something beyond the comprehension of man, hence it is folly to make it a subject of discussion further than to believe it and proclaim it. The apostle's explanation of this mystery is that “God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” Until the creature is able to comprehend the Creator, man can not comprehend the mystery of godliness, further than God chooses to reveal it. “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deut. 29:29. Even the prophets of old did not always understand their own prophecies, but spoke of things to be revealed to future generations. This was true to some extent in Daniel's case. See Dan. 12:5-13. Peter, in speaking of salvation in Christ, says: “Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you; searching what, or in what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the Gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.” 1 Peter 1:10-12. So the mystery of godliness, the manifestation of God in the flesh by the incarnation of His Son, is not comprehended even by the holy angels, excepting to the extent that it is revealed unto them. Yet they believe God, and do His bidding, and praise Him continually as more and more of His will and His “eternal purpose” is revealed unto them, with the prospect of still more and more. Holy beings “rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” Let us note particularly that the holy angels do not grow skeptical because of things they do not understand; but they grasp that which is revealed, praising God for it, obeying it, and looking for more. The people of the present age are laid under greater obligation to obey God, and to show forth His praise, than were those of any preceding age; because all revelation pertaining to the Gospel is for our enlightenment. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Rom. 15:4. Who can comprehend the love and grace that will grant such special consideration to a generation so steeped in sin? Verily it is a mystery that eternity alone can make plain to finite minds. But we can believe it, and “search diligently” to know more and more of that which is revealed; for, stepping out in obedience of the revealed Word, we may expect a continually increasing light. “The path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Prov. 4:18. Reverting again to Deut. 29:29, before quoted, we would emphasize the purpose of God's revelations, of His secret things, of His mystery. Note that these revelations are to us forever, that we may do all the words of His law. Now it is no wonder that men, professors of godliness and non-professors, are groping in darkness concerning the teachings of God's Word, when they continually ignore the law which His revelations are designed to help them to obey. When “God was manifest in the flesh,” in the person of Jesus Christ, He set us an example of keeping the Father's commandments (John 15:10), of doing that which was revealed to Him (chapter 5:19, 30; 6:38); and His disciples are to follow Him. Then will they increase in the knowledge of “the mystery of Godliness.” “Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my Gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith; to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.” Rom. 16:25-27.