As I am working my way through the book of Colossians, there are a few central themes that the apostle is definitely trying to get across to his readers. One, he is telling them not to stray from the gospel that they received - that is the mystery of God revealed in the person of Christ Jesus. Other messages are coming from all directions. The Colossians are being tempted to part from Christ and seek other mediators.
Two, Paul is all about the person of Christ. He gives a very explicit and glorious description of our Lord Jesus (1:15-20) - His person (deity, preeminent position, and head of the church) and His work (redeemer of [sinful] mankind).
Three, the apostle is passionate about the inclusive nature of the gospel of Jesus Christ - that it is for "every man". Paul brings his message to the Gentiles - to the barbarians - to those who a Jew would look at with their noses in the air. This gospel is for every one!
How relevant is this for the church today - especially the white church?! How many times do we refrain from taking this wonderful message to those who we think are too dumb to understand? How many times to we withhold this message from those who are lazy, ignorant, irresponsible, sinful, and "not like us"?
One of the glorious attributes of this message is that it is a mystery. What in the world does the apostle mean by calling the gospel a "mystery." He simply means this - it is a message that was once hidden but is now revealed in the person of Christ. See, the special thing about this mystery is that unless God reveals it, or makes it known, it is left unknown. There is not one human with enough intelligence to find out this mystery! Rationalism is insufficient. Experientialism falls short. Descartes would have reasoned forever to no avail. Empiricism cannot find its way. This knowledge is from God - and gaining it is contingent only on HIS will.
What does this mean? What are the implications? The gospel - this mystery - is for every man! NOT JUST THE INTELLECTUAL ONES! NOT JUST THE SMART ONES! NOT JUST THE RESPONSIBLE ONES! Why? Because only God decides who gets to know this mystery; and as far as He is concerned, we are all ignorant, irresponsible (Rom 1:18ff), lazy, guilty, and without the ability to learn this marvelous truth. He is no respecter of persons. We were all once alienated and hostile in our minds, doing evil deeds! (How did Paul know that about their history having never met any one of them face to face??? Answer - all humanity has the same history!
I am so thankful that it is not left up to me to decide who can know this truth. I have too many prejudices. I keep it from too many! BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy, and gracious beyond measure, in His good pleasure, has decided to make this mystery known to rebels like you and me. Who are we to withhold such a wonderful "mystery"? Who do we think we are? God? No. The gospel is for every man - white, black, brown, yellow - EVERY MAN.
