The mystery of godliness (6) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world.
1 Timothy 3:16.

The mystery of godliness (6)
. Thus the apostle John summarised the time that he and the other eleven disciples spent together with the Lord Jesus. He was indeed present and seen, even if His appearance was not conspicuous.

Today He is hidden from human sight. The Lord had prepared His disciples for this time, when He told them, "You believe in God, believe also in me" (John 14:1). They needed to learn to believe without seeing, which was not easy for them. To Thomas, one of the twelve, the Lord said, "Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have believed" (John 20:29).

This does not mean that Christian faith is blind faith. It is based on historical facts that cannot be denied. God has clearly made Himself known: in creation, in His Son Jesus Christ and in His Word. If God therefore demands that people should believe in Him and take Him at His word, He is not demanding the impossible.

How does faith in Christ come about? Through the preaching (cf. Romans 10:14). This message can be accepted by everyone. Just as the gospel knows no national, social or intellectual restrictions, among believers, too, no-one is excluded: they come from every tribe, tongue, people and nation. What a wonderful outcome of God's grace this is!

(to be concluded next Wednesday)

Today's reading: Nehemiah 5:6-19 · Proverbs 12:20-28