As believers, there is so much more to our rich faith than what initially meets the eye. While the core message that God sent His Son Jesus to save us through His atoning death and resurrection is straightforward, there are deeper layers of meaning, symbolism, and wisdom woven intricately throughout Scripture just waiting to be uncovered. Exploring the spiritual mysteries of Christianity can dramatically enhance our understanding and draw us into a richer, more fulfilling relationship with our Creator.
The Mysteries in Christianity
The Holy Trinity
One foundational mystery is the Holy Trinity – the single God who exists simultaneously in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Though impossible to fully comprehend rationally, the Trinity illustrates God’s plurality and unity. Each member plays a unique yet interconnected role in our salvation. The Father initiates redemption by sending His Son in an act of supreme love. Jesus, as God incarnate, comes to earth to accomplish the ultimate sacrifice as our substitute and atoning payment for sin. And the Holy Spirit applies Christ’s finished work to believers, convicting us of our need for salvation and sealing us for eternity.
While the Trinity may seem puzzling at first, it provides profound insights into God’s character. He exists in perfect, selfless relation within the Godhead, modeling for us the importance of community, fellowship, and mutual love. And the Trinity’s unified diversity highlights that God is simultaneously immanent in creation through His intimate indwelling Spirit while also utterly transcendent as the Sovereign Creator. Contemplating this mystery reveals God to be infinitely more glorious than any human formulation could capture. Far from a contradiction, the Trinity ought to elicit profound awe for our triune God’s divine nature.
Put into practice the suggestions for spiritual growth through Scripture intake, prayer, and fellowship
God’s Indwelling Presence
Another amazing mystery is God’s indwelling presence. After gaining salvation, Scripture tells us that Christ – the living Son of God – literally resides within believers through His Spirit (Romans 8:9, Galatians 2:20). We have the privilege of God Himself taking up residence in our bodies, which then become His holy temples (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Rather than mere intellectual assent to doctrines about Jesus, appreciating this mystery instills the reality that He is actively at work within us at every moment. It transforms how we view our purpose and identity, empowering ongoing intimacy with God as co-heirs with Christ.
This indwelling presence also gives profound insight into spiritual disciplines like prayer, studying God’s Word, and praise. Rather than dry religious rituals, they allow us to commune directly with the God who lives inside of us! And as branches abide in the true vine of Jesus (John 15:5), remaining continually attached to Him through willful obedience and submission aligns our lives for fruitful service. On the other hand, quenching His Spirit grieves Him deeply as it separates us from the source of life. Properly understanding this mystery inspires holiness, vigilance over sinful thoughts/habits, and walking in step with Christ’s will.
God’s Sovereignty and Human Free Will
Another equally perplexing yet faith-affirming mystery involves God’s divine sovereignty and human free will. How can an all-powerful God, who knows and orchestrates all things, allow for meaningful choice? And how can people exercise true autonomy if an omniscient deity has prescriptively decreed every outcome? Rather than contradiction, viewing this mystery through the lens of God’s perfect love for His creation resolves it.
While fully orchestrating all that occurs according to His glorious purposes (Ephesians 1:11), God has granted mankind stewardship over their decisions. He works all things – even man’s freely willed choices, both good and sinful – together for the ultimate good in those who love Him (Romans 8:28). And through His sovereign mercy, none who call on Jesus for salvation will be lost (Romans 10:13). Meditating on this mystery inspires confidence that an all-wise and loving Creator who defines what is truly best is in fact governing all things for His glory and our blessing over time.
Grow deeper in you relationship with Jesus with Leroy Jacobs’ new release
Order Leroy Jacobs’ “Something New” and Spend Your Life in Christ
For those wanting to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus, we highly recommend meditating on the contents of Leroy Jacobs’ book “Something New.” Reflect prayerfully on each chapter and consider discussing the insights with fellow believers. You can also put into practice the suggestions for spiritual growth through Scripture intake, prayer, and fellowship. May this overview of new life in Christ serve to strengthen your faith and increase your love for both God and others. Our prayer is that readers will continue advancing in their journey following the risen Lord.
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