The Mystery of the Gospel

Everyone seems intrigued by mysteries. Secrets. Myself included. Years ago, I took my daughters to see Windsor Castle. While the rooms are spectacular, my girls seemed focused on the knobs to secret doors that led to hidden passageways behind the walls. They were also intrigued by the rooms that could be glimpsed around the curve of a hallway but were roped off to visitors. There was an aura of mystery to our tour. At the end of it, we all agreed we were enormously blessed by what we saw, but what we really wanted to see was behind the closed doors!

For thousands of years, the Gospel was a closed door—a mystery. But when Jesus came, He opened it. And the Apostle Paul helps us understand what we now see.

Read Romans 16:25-27

THE MYSTERY ROOTED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Using John 3:16, write out a simple definition of the Gospel.
What phrase in Romans 16:25-27 indicates that the Gospel was not just a New Testament idea?
Give one or more different elements of the Gospel from each of the following Old Testament writings: Genesis 3:15; 12:1-3 (compare Galatians 3:16); Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 53:1-12; 9:6-7; Zechariah 14:1-9.
How do the New Testament writings confirm that the Gospel is rooted in the Old Testament? Revelation 13:8; John 8:54-58; Romans 3:21.

What fresh thoughts and applications does this give you when you consider the political correctness and pluralism of our day?

THE MYSTERY REVEALED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

What word in Romans 16:25-27 indicates the mystery of the Gospel is no longer a secret?
What is the mystery of the Gospel that has been revealed in the New Testament? Give phrases from Romans 16:26 and Ephesians 3:6.
Describe Paul’s passion to make the mystery known. Romans 1:16-17.
Who are the “two” people that Paul is referring to in Ephesians 2:14?
How do these “two” explain the revelation of the mystery as Paul unfolds it in Ephesians 2:11-18? Romans 3:9-12? 21-24?
In your own words, describe the mystery as it is revealed in the New Testament.

THE MYSTERY REFLECTED IN THE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST

Who are the followers of Jesus Christ who reflect the mystery? John 1:12-13; 3:1-8; Ephesians 4:3-6; Revelation 5:9-10.
Does the fact that Jew and Gentile alike are justified through faith in Christ nullify God’s unique promises to the Jews? Romans 11:1-2, 28-29.
What are some of the promises that God gave uniquely to Abraham and his physical descendants, the Jews? Genesis 12:1-3; 13:14-17; 15:7-8, 17-21 with Hebrews 6:13-15; Genesis 17:1-8; Genesis 22:15-18; 24:7; Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:2-5; Zechariah 12:10-13; Romans 11:25-27.
How does God later confirm these promises? Zechariah 8:1-8.
How does this mystery reflected among the followers of Jesus Christ glorify God? Ephesians 2:1-9; Romans 3:27-30; Romans 11:33-36.
What beautiful analogy does Paul use to describe the mystery as it is reflected in the Body of Christ? Ephesians 2:19-22.
What practical effect does this have on individual followers? Romans 12:3-5; Ephesians 4:1-6.
How is the mystery summed up at the end of human history? Zechariah 13:1; 14:2-9; Revelation 5:6, 9; 19:11-16; 21:1-5.
How clearly is the mystery reflected in your life among your circle of friends? In your church? Who are you revealing it to?

Now that you understand more fully what was once a mystery, what will you do practically and specifically to open the closed door so others can also understand what’s behind it? As you open the door by sharing the Gospel, pray for God to revive the hearts of Jesus followers so that we more clearly reflect the mystery, and draw the world irresistibly to the cross. And join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem and for the peace of the world that God has promised will be established when His only Son—our Savior, Israel’s Messiah and the world’s Redeemer—returns as Lord of lords and King of kings to reign forever and ever. Amen! Even so, come Lord Jesus! ©2025 Anne Graham Lotz

This article was adapted from a study that was originally published in February 2015.

Anne Graham Lotz has proclaimed God’s Word worldwide for more than 40 years. Her newest book, which she co-authored with her daughter Rachel-Ruth Wright, is Preparing to Meet Jesus—Moving From Salvation to Transformation. It can be ordered from major booksellers online.