I love mysteries, especially the "who dunnit?” ones. Some of my favorites crime solvers are Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot and the Hardy Boys. My wife and I also enjoy many of the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) mystery movies shown on PBS. Chief Inspector Clouseau did not make my list. What is a mystery? A mystery is something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain. I like this definition for mystery: a secret. Mysteries involve the process of revealing a secret about a person or situation that solves the unknown, regarding a case or search for meaning in life.

The Bible is the greatest mystery book ever written. The New Birth-passing from spiritual death to newness of life-is a mystery to the unbeliever.  The Apostle Paul was used of God to reveal another mystery: Gentiles are to be fellow partakers of the Gospel , along with Jews.  How do you explain being one in Christ, regardless of gender, appearance, status, or background?

For us to be unified in Christ He has to be in each of us, individually as well as collectively. According to the Apostle Paul this is a mystery. Colossians 1:27 states that this mystery is "Christ in you, the hope of glory". Through the Holy Spirit Christ is living in every believer, those who are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). How is this possible?  How do you explain a mystery?

The natural mind will never receive nor understand the things of God (I Corinthians 2:14). Some things are better "caught" than "taught". The fact that some mysteries can never be fully explained neither dilutes their truth nor detracts from their impact on society. These mysteries are hidden for you, not from you. Understanding will have to be done with our hearts, our spirits.

What about you? Have you ever thought of the Bible as a mystery book?

How do you explain the mystery of the New Birth to the unbeliever?

Has reading about Bible mysteries changed the way you see yourself? In what way?