“Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).
We’re familiar with the word “mystery.” Libraries and bookstores have a category of books that are listed under that heading. Most of them are “whodunits” that keep us in the dark until the final chapter. That’s not what is meant by the New Testament word translated “mystery.” The Greek word translated “mystery” describes something that was once hidden but is now revealed.
“The mystery from which true godliness springs” is no longer hidden. The truth is finally unveiled in Jesus. In what was apparently a hymn of the Early Church, the life of Jesus was summarized. “He appeared in the flesh.” God came to earth in a manger in Bethlehem and that has changed history. From His birth to His ascension Jesus resolved the mystery of godliness and still answers the question, “How do I become godly?”
True godliness springs from Jesus. That means that not only was He godly but He is the source of our godliness. His life and death make a difference in our lives. He is more than a good example of what godliness looks like, though He certainly is that. We needed more than an example. We couldn’t emulate His kind of life on our own. We needed the power to be godly.
The mystery of godliness is now revealed. Jesus has made known what was hidden. He receives sinners and makes them saints. He takes fractured lives and makes them whole again. Those are miracles but that’s what He does for everyone who believes in Him. Believing in Jesus restores what is broken in us and leads us to godliness.
