The Mystery of Godliness

Beyond all question the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels, was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."
--I Timothy 3:16

What a hidden thing is this, and how wonderful a matter: that God was manifest in the flesh and became man! Does it not so far surpass our understanding that when we are told of it, we are astonished? Yet notwithstanding, we have a full and sufficient proof that Jesus Christ, being made man and subject to death, is likewise the true God who made the world and liveth forever. Of this, his heavenly power beareth us witness. Again, we have other proofs; to wit, he was preached unto the Gentiles, who before were banished from the kingdom of God. And that faith has had its course throughout the whole world. And likewise Christ was lifted up on high and entered into glory and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father.

Let us mark the contents of the gospel: God abased himself in such a manner that he took upon himself as to be joined to us and take upon himself the form of a servant, even to suffer the curse that was due to us. St. Paul comprehendeth all things whatsoever that Jesus Christ received in his person; to wit, that he was subject to all our infirmities, sin only excepted.

It is enough for us to have some little knowledge of this subject. Each one ought to be content with what light is given him, considering the weakness of our judgment and looking for the day when that which we now see in part will be wholly and perfectly revealed to us. Yet notwithstanding, we must employ our minds and studies this way. Why doth St. Paul call this a mystery of faith, that Jesus Christ, who is God everlasting, was manifest in the flesh? It is as much as if he should say, when we are gathered to God and made one body with the Lord Jesus Christ, that we shall behold the end for which we were made; to wit, that we might know that God is joined and made one with us in the person of his Son.

It is not enough for us to behold him with our natural eyes, for in this case we should rise no higher than his humanity. But when we see by miracles and mighty works he showeth himself to be the Son of God, it is a seal and proof that in abasing himself, he did not leave off his heavenly majesty! Therefore, we may come to him as our brother and at the same time worship him as the everlasting God, by whom we were made and by whom we are preserved.

Were it not for this, we could have no church; were it not for this, we could have no religion; were it not for this, we could have no salvation. It would be better for us to be brute beasts without reason or understanding than to be destitute of this knowledge; to wit, that Jesus came and joined Godhead with our nature, which was so wretched and miserable. St. Paul declares this to be a mystery that we may not come to it proudly and arrogantly, as many do who wish to be wise.

When we hear the word mystery, let us remember two things: first, that we learn to keep under our senses, and flatter not ourselves that we have sufficient knowledge and ability to comprehend so vast a matter. In the second place, let us learn to climb up beyond ourselves and reverence the majesty which passeth our understanding. We must not be sluggish nor drowsy but think upon this doctrine and endeavor to become instructed therein. When we have acquired some little knowledge thereof, we should strive to profit thereby all the days of our life.

When we have once laid hold on the promises of this Mediator, we shall know the height and depth, the length and breadth, yea and whatsoever is necessary for our salvation, so that we may stay our faith upon him as upon the only true God and likewise behold him as our brother who hath not only come near to us but hath united and joined himself to us n such a manner that he hath become the same substance. If we have come to t his, let us know that we have arrived in the perfection of wisdom, which is spoken of by St. Paul in another place; that we may fully rejoice in the goodness of God, for it hath pleased him to lighten us with the brightness of his gospel and to draw us into his heavenly kingdom.