I’ve been studying the concept of Biblical mystery lately and it is a fascinating study. If we understand ‘mystery’ in the Biblical sense to be ‘hidden truth’ then we see all throughout the Scripture opportunities for us to wonder at what He has not yet chosen to tell us. As James MacDonald says, “Mystery says, ‘this far and no farther.’” There is certainly a lot that God has chosen to reveal about Himself, and yet we also come to understand that Holiness is often clouded in mystery. In particular, after studying the Throne Room scenes of Scripture, one is left wondering who exactly is on the throne? Is it God the Father or God the Son? (Rev. 4:2; 5:1; 5:6-8; 20:11; John 5:2, Heb. 4:16, 12:2 provide some food for thought on this subject)

Mystery is part of the deal as far as God is concerned with letting us in on the truth of what heaven is like. Mystery breeds faith, hope, longing, and maybe best of all – anticipation. Christmas morning is a fun time for kids both because they look forward to receiving presents as well as the anticipation that comes from wondering at what’s under the wrapping paper.

God can chose to wrap Himself in mystery and reveal what He chooses when He chooses. Truth is God’s and He conceals or reveals it at will. But at the same time it is a very dangerous thing when sinful men attempt to do the same.

Romans 1:18 soberly states, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness…” God’s wrath is on display toward  the ungodly. And what was their crime? They ‘suppress the truth’. In other words, they attempted to hide the truth that God had chosen to reveal. In this case it’s the truth of who He is as revealed through creation.

Truth belongs to God because God is Truth (John 14:6). When He hides truth it’s called  mystery and creates anticipation. When man hides truth it’s called  sin and creates wrath.  Jack Nicholson once famously shouted the words,  “You can’t handle the truth!” He was right. Truth is not ours to mess with.