In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus

 Ephesians 3:4 – 6

The mystery revealed!  The plot unfolded.  The Old Testament is God’s encouragement to the Jews to live holy lives.  We are impressed by God’s desire on one hand to create a holy people and on the other, Israel’s hesitation to follow God.  This is one of the major themes of the Old Testament.

Now, all people of the earth!  Hear God’s mystery, the mystery of Christ. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

This proclamation may not shock us like it did the Ephesians.  I imagine them hearing, again, the Good News.  Anyone can be saved!  How can it be that the saving Gospel is for all who believe, Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, first century believers and present-day believers, Americans and Tanzanians?  As I see it, this announcement is as shocking and as life-changing for us today as it was for the Ephesians who were experiencing this miracle of divine grace for the first time.

God led my wife and me to know the reality of this common salvation as we lived with African people for many years.  We were co-heirs of the promises of God!  I still find that to be so amazing that even now I find it to be a new thing!  God’s grace is always a surprise, a life-changing surprise!