Second, this mystery has been hidden from past ages and generations (Col 1:26). Here, the word ages is the plural form of the Greek word
Third, this mystery has now been manifested to His saints (Col 1:26). Here, the Greek expression, “but…now” in the verse, is
Fourth, this mystery has to be richly manifested even among the Gentiles. Colossians 1:27 states, “To whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The word Gentiles refers to all people not of Jewish descent, including those who serve other gods (Rom 11:11; 15:9; Gal 2:8). The Gentiles were originally excluded from the covenant of God, but God gave them the precious gift of salvation through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Acts 26:17–18; Rom 11:11, 25; Gal 1:16; 3:8, 14; Eph 2:11–14; 3:6). There are numerous prophecies in the Old Testament regarding the glorious salvation of the Gentiles (Gen 22:18; 28:14; Isa 54:2–3; Mal 1:11).
God’s work was centered on the Jews until the coming of Jesus Christ. However, God’s work expanded to include the Gentiles after Jesus’ atoning work on the cross. Romans 2:28–29 states that an outward Jew is a Jew by lineage, but an inward Jew transcends the boundaries of lineage and is one who confesses faith in Jesus Christ (Gal 3:7–9, 26–29). Now, Jew or Greek, slave or free, man or woman, all people are one in Jesus Christ (Gal 3:28). The gospel of the cross became the power of God that gives salvation to all believers—both Jews and Gentiles (Rom 1:16).
The riches of the glory that the Gentiles receive through salvation is known as the “glory of the mystery” (Col 1:27). This is why the apostle Paul confessed that he is honored to be called the servant of Christ for the Gentiles (Rom 11:13). We must also preach this mystery of the gospel to all the people so that the glory of the mystery may be richly manifested on the earth.
2. Jesus Christ’s Work of Atonement
The work of atonement refers specifically to the work of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. It is the work of paying the price of our sins according to God’s plan and providence for the salvation of mankind. This work of atonement is the height of God’s work of salvation and the essence of the Christian gospel.
(1) The redemptive work of the cross and God’s will
Sinners must receive the forgiveness of their sins in order to be saved (Eph 1:7; Col 1:14). Jesus Christ came to this earth for the complete redemption of the chosen people (John 1:29; Heb 9:26; 1 John 3:5). This redemption was achieved when Jesus Christ came to this earth, shed His blood and died on the cross (1 Pet 1:18-19). He spoke publicly to His disciples about how His suffering on the cross and His death were predestined as part of God’s plan of salvation.
Matthew 26:24 The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.
Luke 22:22 For indeed, the Son of Man is going as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!
During His public life, Jesus spoke four times regarding the redemptive work to be accomplished on the cross through His death (Matt 16:21–28; 17:22–23; 20:17–19; 26:1–2). Every time He warned about His death on the cross, He used the Greek word
Not grasping the importance of the work of redemption, Peter said, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” In response, Jesus rebuked him, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” (Matt 16:23; Mark 8:33).
Jesus Christ willingly obeyed God’s eternal plan and providence by bearing the cross. He stood ahead of His disciples and went up to Jerusalem on the last day of His public life (Mark 10:32; Luke 19:28) and said, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished” (Luke 18:31). On the night He was captured, He sang hymns with His disciples as He crossed the Kidron Valley and went up to the Mount of Olives (Matt 26:30; Mark 14:26; John 18:1).
On the Mount of Olives, Jesus prayed until the beads of His sweat turned into drops of blood. Then a multitude carrying swords and clubs came looking for Him. “Knowing all the things that were coming upon Him” (John 18:4), Jesus boldly said to them, “I am He” (John 18:6), and allowed Himself to be taken. As Jesus was about to be captured by the Roman soldiers, Peter struck Malchus, a slave of the high priest, and cut off his ear. At this, Jesus said, “Stop! No more of this!” and touched his ear and healed him (Luke 22:51). Then as Jesus had said to Peter, “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? How then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen this way?” (Matt 26:53–54), He bore the cross and fulfilled the Scriptures.
Jesus Christ, in order to achieve a perfect reconciliation between God and man (Rom 5:10–11; Eph 2:13–18), strove to fulfill redemption through the cross according to God’s predetermined will. At last, He achieved what He so desired through His death on the cross and declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
(2) The foreshadowing of the work of redemption
God is holy and righteous and does not tolerate sin. Thus, no one can meet with God if one has sin. In the Old Testament, God made people bring offerings before Him as a foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The closest foreshadowing of the redemptive work can be found in the example of the “scapegoat”
In the Old Testament, the first prerequisite for an offering was that it be without blemish (Exod 12:5; 29:1; Lev 1:3; Num 6:14; 19:2), because it foreshadowed Jesus Christ who was to come. God did not accept offerings that are worthless, abominable, blind, sick, or lame (Isa 1:11–17). He warned that those who make such offerings will be cursed (Mal 1:7–14).
Jesus