THE GREATEST MYSTERY by H. A. St. John

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Jul 12, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 28.

THE GREATEST MYSTERY.

By H. A. St. John

BY H. A. ST. JOHN.

ABOVE us, all around us, and beneath our feet, are mysteries as yet unfathomable by man. We may know much about these wonderful works of God, but there remains much more that we can not know in this brief life. Men of giant minds, with opportunities, facilities, and leisure abundant, have studied into these mysteries, and have learned and revealed much by their research, but when they came to die, it seemed to them that they had only crossed the threshold of the temple of knowledge.

The great majority of humanity are so absorbed with the practical and necessary concerns of life, that they have neither time nor opportunity to study intently the marvelous mysteries all around them.

We are glad to assert, and to feel assured that we know whereof we affirm, that God in His infinite mercy and love has revealed to the world the greatest of all mysteries. He has placed the knowledge of this mystery within the reach of all, high or low, rich or poor, young or old, learned or unlearned. It is called in His Word, "the mystery of His will." Eph. 1:9. Certainly and truly it is a matter of abundant thanksgiving to God that He has revealed, or will reveal, unto us the mystery of His will concerning us from day to day, and continually, as long as we are called to walk through this world of sin, danger, and strife. We may each one, for ourselves, have the Spirit of God working in us continually, both to will and to do His good pleasure. No other mystery is so great, so important, as this; for all who walk in the knowledge of this mystery, will abide "forever." 1 John 2:17. The truly wise are they, and they only, who are wise unto salvation. And to be wise unto salvation is to put our wills on the Lord's side, to be filled with the knowledge of His will, and ever able to say and to pray, "Father, not my will, but Thine be done."

When Jesus was about to come into the world he said through David, "Lo, I come; in the volume of the Book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart." Ps. 40:7, 8. And then when He did come, He was particular to make this truth known frequently. Note first one of His utterances, "For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me." John 6:38. Jesus always understood the mystery of His Father's will, and performed it with unswerving fidelity. He is our example. We are to walk in His steps. Hence, if we present our bodies a living sacrifice unto God, and be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, we will be able also, like Jesus, to show what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

How sad to think that so many will, and do, neglect to learn this greatest of all mysteries, made easily accessible to all, and so important that present happiness and eternal life depend upon it. The unfolding mysteries of all other sciences may be known, and yet the individual will perish forever with all his knowledge, if he knows not the science of salvation, the mystery of God's will. All such are building on the sand, and some day how great will be their fall. The humble follower of Jesus is building his character upon the enduring Rock, and will abide forever.

In conclusion, give diligent attention to the apostolic benediction, "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to DO His WILL, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." Heb. 13:20, 21.