Mystery (1)

The whole evangelical truth is a mystery, for these reasons:
(1) It was hidden from all men until God brought it our of his own bosom. First to Adam after the fall; and more clearly later to the Jews; and in Christ's time even more fully to Jews and Gentiles. it was not a thing framed by angels or men. It was Christ who brought it out of the bosom of the Father. 'No man has seen God at any time; Christ the only begotten Son, in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known' (John 1:18). The reconciling of justice and mercy, it is a mystery of heavenly wisdom that the creature could never think of.
(2) When it was revealed, it was revealed only to a few. It was revealed at first only to the Jews and to them it was wrapped in ceremonies and types and in general promises. It was quite hidden from most parts of the world.
(3) When Christ came and the gospel was preached in the church, it was a mystery to carnal men who heard the gospel. and yet did not understand it because they had a veil over their hearts. It is 'hidden to them that perish' (2 Cor. 4:3), though it be open to those who believe.
(4) Though we some part of it, yet we see not the whole gospel. We see not all, nor wholly. 'We see but in part and know but in part' (1 Cor. 13:9). it is a mystery in regards of the full accomplishment of it.
(5) It is a mystery regarding what we do not know but will hereafter know. How do we know divine truths now? In the mirror of the word and the ordinances. We know not Christ by sight. That manner of knowledge is reserved for heaven. So here we know as it were in a kind of mystery. This seeing compared to the old covenant is 'seeing the face of God in Christ' (2 Cor. 4:6)--a clear sight. But compared to that which we will see, it is seeing only as in a glass or mirror.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Fountain Opened, Works, vol. 5, pp. 462-63
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