The Mystery of Godliness Christology The Mystery of Godliness

The Incarnation Our Lord Jesus was and is God. (John 1:1,2) who became man (Philippians 2:5-8). As a man he lived among men (Matthew 1:23). Men saw Him (John 1:14) from the cradle to the grave and beyond. The attestation of men to His earthly presence includes:

Shepherds just after His birth – Luke 2:8-18 The residents of Nazareth observed the process of His maturation – Luke 2:39,40 John the Baptist testified to His person and office – John 1 Numerous people could bear testimony to His holiness of character and conduct – John 8:46 The Temple guard recognized the authority of His words – John 7:46 An unnumbered company of people experienced His healing touch

Truthful people were forced to admit that Christ was never out of control – Matthew 12:20 Pilate admitted that Christ as an innocent man – John 19:5,6 The centurion at the cross acknowledged Christ to be the Son of God – Matthew 27:54 The disciples both saw, touched, and even ate with the resurrected Christ They also saw Him visible ascend back to heaven – Acts 1:11

The Vindication Every believer functions by the enablement of the Holy Spirit, so also Christ left us an example that we should follow His steps (1 Peter 2:21). He functioned in the power of the Holy Spirit.  In His baptism – Matthew 3:16; Luke 3:22; John 1:32,33 In His earthly ministry – Isaiah 11:1,2; Luke 4:16-21 Even in His crucifixion – Hebrews 9:13,14 In His resurrection – 1 Peter 3:18

The Manifestation He was worshipped by angels at His birth in Bethlehem. (Heb. 1:6) Angels are keenly desirous of investigating the mystery of the gospel. (1 Pet. 1:10-12 ) Christ is the victor and confounder of the fallen angels. (Eph. 3:9,10; Col. 2:13-15)

The Proclamation Christ was presented to the Jews who in the main rejected Him. (Luke 19:11-14) This actually coincided with God’s plan of redemption for whosoever will regardless of ethnicity. Since the Bible only recognizes three groups of people, the Jews, the Gentiles, and the Church, a communication of the gospel to Gentiles is critical. (Rom. 11:25 ) Even today the preponderance of the world’s population is Gentile and the preponderance of gospel outreach is to the Gentiles.(Eph. 3:6, 7)

The Reconciliation Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) Faith in Christ is the objective. (John 3:15-19) Nothing occurs in this world with reference to mankind that is of greater importance than that individuals to come to understand that Christ is the only means of eternal life, the only basis for the forgiveness of sin, and the only object of faith. (Acts 4:12)

The Glorification The condescension of Christ (Phil. 2:5-8) became the means of His exaltation. (Phil. 2:9-11) Christ is now clothed in the glory which was His before His incarnation (John 17:5). It is the same glory with which He will be revealed as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16) one day when He comes again.

Christ came, accomplished His work, went back to the Father, and is coming again! This is the mystery of godliness.