[1 Timothy 3:16 KJV] “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
Every faith and religion has its doctrines and persuasion. These are the reasons and arguments of those who subscribe to that faith or religion. Apostle Paul, in this piece of Scripture, argues to explain why the mystery of godliness, which is the creed of our faith is undeniably great. In his piece, Apostle Paul outlines six key persuasions of our faith and creed:
1. Firstly, that God was manifest in the flesh:
By this, the apostle argues that no religion can boast of the incarnation of its founder. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh. He is the Almighty God in the veil and nature of mere clay. He was manifest in the flesh to help us see Him.
2. Justified in the Spirit:
This is a nice way of saying that His claims were justified by the Spirit. When He said He was the Son, that claim was ratified by the Spirit at His baptism at the Jordan. His miracles and mighty acts were clear signs that He is not a mere man. His claim that He is the creator, was proven by many of His creative miracles.
3. Seen of angels:
He was seen by angels at His birth (See Luke 1:26), in the wilderness (See Matthew 4:11), in Gethesamane (See Luke 22: 43), at the resurrection (See Luke 24:4; John 20:12), at Ascension (See Acts 1:10), in Heaven (See 1 Peter 3:22, Revelation 5:11,12), and even His soon return shall be heralded by thousands of angels.
4. Preached to the Gentiles;
See Matthew 28;19, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47, Acts 8:5, 12, 35
5. Believed on in the world;
See John 3:16, John 3:36, Acts 16:31-33, Romans 5:1, Hebrews 3;18, James 2:14.
Isn’t it marvellous when you see the worst of sinners believe the gospel? I marvel when I see hardened sinners converted by the gospel of the gospel.
6. Recieved up in glory;
Show me one religious leader who ascended into heaven before many witnesses. Show me one, just one and I will be persuaded. All of them died and none came back nor ascended.
Stay blessed
