Unveiling God's Plan in Christ: The Mystery of Faith Explained

Imagine standing at the dawn of time. You hear whispers of a plan and a promise that echo through eternity. The angels bend over, deeply desiring to know the plan. There's a mystery concealed for ages and ages, but then it is revealed. This is the essence of Biblical faith: an epic saga that spans millennia and reaches its climax in Christ.

The apostle Paul beautifully encapsulates this saga in Colossians 1. It is described as the “mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints” (Col. 1:26). Let’s embark on this journey through time. We'll piece together the mystery in the shadows, hints, and revelations that trace their way from Genesis to the New Testament. Each step of the journey unveils more and more of God’s magnificent mystery, rooted in His sovereign purpose and plan.

1. Genesis 3 and the Protoevangelion: The Genesis Story

The mystery begins in Eden. Humanity’s fall from grace could have spelled the end. Defiance leading to immediate death and destruction. Instead, God's words of judgment and the curse of the serpent carry a promise. There is a veiled announcement of victory over the adversary. This is the protoevangelion, the “first gospel.” God declared:

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

To Adam and Eve, the promise was veiled. Though cryptic, it was an assurance in the midst of their despair. In those words lay the first glimpse of hope—a seed of a victory yet to come. This marked the beginning of the plan for salvation that would unfold over centuries, leading to Christ, the true Seed who would crush the serpent.

2. A New Creation: Salvation in Noah’s Flood

The days became darker and darker from there. Murder, pride, envy, jealousy, bloodshed fill the first chapters of the story. The Lord looks upon the miserable wretches of the very good world He created and perceived that "the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." He found only one righteous, only one who seemed to still have the hope of Adam and Eve passed through the line of Seth. In Noah, the story of God’s judgment and mercy comes together. God could have destroyed all mankind. Yet, in His grace, He saved eight souls. And as the floodwaters recede, we see God initiate a new beginning. This salvation through water foreshadows a greater deliverance. Noah’s family was preserved by God’s grace. The ark and the rainbow serve as reminders of His ongoing commitment to redeem a remnant. He had a plan. He had made a promise. Salvation had to come through the line of humanity, a line that will ultimately lead to Christ, our true Ark of salvation.

3. Abraham’s Seed and the Blessing of Nations

But Noah was not perfect. No, sadly, he was not the hero promised. He gets drunk and his family is divided. As the story moves forward, we find Abraham in the land of the Chaldeans. God calls Abraham seemingly out of nowhere. Maybe this would be the seed of the woman. The Lord graciously makes covenantal promises to Abraham. God promises to make him a father of many nations. But the real promise is that through Abraham’s seed, “all nations will be blessed.” This isn’t merely about a vast family tree. Maybe Abraham would be the hero promised in Genesis 3:15. No, Abraham would prove to be just a susceptible to sin and death. But the seed God had promised him, like Eve's, points forward to Christ. Abraham’s true Seed will bring the blessing of salvation to all people. God’s plan has always extended beyond Israel to encompass all who have faith in Christ (Gal. 3:7–9, 14). But Abraham did not know that. This promise was a mystery to Abraham. But he believed God. And God continued to miraculously and mysteriously bring about His plan.

4. Types and Shadows: The Mosaic Covenant and Christ’s Foreshadowing

As time went on, we see a tapestry of symbols given to Moses. The tabernacle, the priesthood, the sacrifices all point to humanity's need for cleansing and mediation. The law was a “shadow of the good things to come.” The priest was never good enough in himself. The tabernacle was only a type of what was in heaven. The dietary laws could never fully separate the people from the world they lived in. The sacrifices could never fully remove sin. Moses saw the heavenly pattern. Everything had to be made exactly as shown. Why? Because they foreshadowed the Lamb of God, the heavenly tabernacle, the true priesthood, and the perfect hope. All of it pointed to Jesus, who would take away the sins of the world once and for all. In Christ, the shadows find their fulfillment. The people saw these things only through the fog of the shadows. Yet, for those with faith, what they saw enlivened their souls to life. Aaron and Miriam would rebel against Moses. Moses was not allowed to enter into the promise land. When would God bring about this seed of the woman, the seed of Abraham? Who would be a better prophet than Moses and a more prefect priest than Aaron? Who would truly bear the names of God's people upon his shoulders? Who would wear the breastplate and know the will of God? Who would represent the people to God?

5. The Forever King: God’s Promise to David

God was good to His people, despite their rebellion. He brought them through the wilderness. He gave them victory in the promised land. He proved Himself faithful as their covenant King. Yet, they rebelled time and time again. They wanted their own king. The people He redeemed out of Egypt wanted to be like the other nations around them. In the wilderness, they wanted a god they could see, so they made the golden calf. It was right in their own eyes to have a king they could see, so they demanded one from Samuel. God told Samuel:

"Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them."

Even in this rebellion God had a plan. Saul, the first king, lost his throne to give way to a shepherd boy of God's choosing, David. Samuel poured the oil of anointing upon the locks of David's head. Was this finally the hero? Was this the seed of the woman to reign victorious? As time goes on, God made a promise to David. He declares that one of David’s descendants will reign eternally:

"When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.
He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.
But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you.
And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever."

David’s immediate successors failed. One by one they died. None stood the test. No one was the promised hero. And yet, the promise still stood. Only in Jesus, the true Son of David, do we see the eternal kingship God promised. Jesus’ reign transcends time and borders, establishing a kingdom “not of this world” (John 18:36) but of ultimate righteousness and peace. This Jesus was of the line of David, of the tribe of Judah.

Even in this, there was a mystery. How could Jesus, who was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin, be chastened with the rod of men and blows of the sons of men for iniquity? Oh, how mysterious are God's ways and wonderful His works! Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us! The blows Jesus suffered on that cross displayed His full identification with Adam and all of us. The death and destruction Adam and Eve deserved on that sad day were marked in Jesus's flesh. Jesus was the true progeny of Adam and thus could be the true propitiation for sins.

God spoke through David in Psalm 2 of His “Anointed One” (Messiah). This Anointed One—Messiah, Christ—would rule with authority over the nations. There was once again, the echo of the plan was going throughout the ages. The angels leaned in more to listen. They longed to understand who this hero would be to rule over the nations. Jesus's resurrection confirmed He was the appointed King. Herod had written above His head "King of the Jews." And in this psalm, we glimpse Christ’s divine power. Jesus holds authority over life and death, sin and righteousness. Jesus is the promised Hero of Psalm 2.

But that is not the end. No, God spoke through David again of one who would be both king and priest. This was an unprecedented combination in Israel. There was yet to come one who would be a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. This priest would also reign forever. For centuries the rabbis debated who this would be. Shrouded in mystery the people of God anticipated the fulfillment of the promise. The enigma remained for centuries. Until the dual role was shown fulfilled in Jesus. He earned His sovereign crown and as the lamb without spot of blemish offered himself up for us. He ascended up into heaven to minister in the heavenly tabernacle not made with hands. And He intercedes as our High Priest and rules as our eternal King. Jesus mediates with perfect justice and compassion. Jesus is standing between us and God as both ruler and redeemer.

6. The Suffering Servant: Isaiah 52–53

Centuries went by after David. The united kingdom fell from its zenith of earthly glory. David was not the hero. Solomon's heart proved enticed by sin. God's people were rent in two. The north apostatized, and the south followed suit. The temple was at times shuttered, and the books lost. The covenant seemed forgotten. The promises seemed to be fading. The throne was weak and a shadow of what it once was. The north was taken into exile. The writing seemed on the wall for the remains of God's people. Assyria was breaking in at the door. Hope seemed all but lost.

Then Isaiah foresaw the mystery of a new king to take the throne and return the glory:

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

But the mystery was still shrouded. The triumph didn't seem so clear-cut. Isaiah saw a suffering servant who would save but not in victory as expected. The hero's story didn't fit with man's expectations. No, this King would come inconspicuous and bearing the sins of many. The king would be a servant. The glory seemed a paradox of crystal clear and yet hidden from some. The servant king is “despised and rejected,” “pierced for our transgressions,” and “crushed for our iniquities.” The mystery at the heart of God’s plan was being revealed. Redemption would be achieved not through earthly power but through divine sacrifice. The outlines of the cross can start to be seen. But who would this hero be? When would He come? The anticipation would hold until Jesus, the suffering servant, came and conquered sin and death by laying down His life. Jesus was reconciling us to God and securing our peace. But this was still a shadow. It was yet a hope. Sure and yet not clearly seen.

7. The New Covenant in Jeremiah 31

The days became dark. The light of Hezekiah quickly faded into the night of apostate kings. Isaiah was violently killed. There seemed no hope. Israel was gone. Judah was as good as gone. Then God promised a new covenant—a better covenant. A covenant not written on tablets of stone but on the hearts of His people. The mystery remained for centuries until, by the candlelight at night, Jesus inaugurated the new covenant. In the upper room, He spoke the words that connected the stories:

"Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you.
For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.'"

Jesus was shedding His blood. Jesus would be the new Passover lamb. Jesus was redeeming His people from their sins once and for all. He was making it possible for believers to approach God with boldness and assurance, resting on His grace. Jesus's blood established and sealed the new covenant. There was to be an unbreakable bond between God and His redeemed people.

8. The Ancient of Days: Daniel’s Vision

For decades the people of God faced almost unspeakable judgment for their sins. Judah wasted away from starvation. Women became so thin they could not feed their nursing babies. Mothers became so desperate they ate their own children. The horrors of siege warfare haunted Jeremiah's lamentations. Yet the prophet knew they deserved worse. The Lord would have been just to bring about absolute death and destruction. God had promised them these were the wages of sin. Covenant disobedience brought death. So why had He not utterly destroyed them? How could the prophet utter words of hope?

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
"The Lord is my portion," says my soul,
"Therefore I hope in Him!"

Because God still had a plan. Under the pain was faith in God's fidelity. God would not, could not, forget the promises He had made. He had ratified His promises those many centuries ago with an oath upon His own name. God had to. The faithful knew that He was not like a man. God would not lie. God was not weak son of Adam that he would change His mind. If God had said it then he would do it. If God had spoken it then He would make it good. The people didn't' understand the intricacies of the plan but they knew their God. He would not utterly forsake them. He would bring about the seed of the woman.

Then in exile among the pagans of Babylon, Daniel had a vision. It was vivid and terrifying. But God showed David He still had a plan:

“I watched till thrones were put in place,
And the Ancient of Days was seated;
His garment was white as snow,
And the hair of His head was like pure wool.
His throne was a fiery flame,
Its wheels a burning fire;
10 A fiery stream issued
And came forth from before Him.
A thousand thousands ministered to Him;
Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.
The court was seated,
And the books were opened....

“I was watching in the night visions,
And behold, One like the Son of Man,
Coming with the clouds of heaven!
He came to the Ancient of Days,
And they brought Him near before Him.
14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
Which shall not pass away,
And His kingdom the one
Which shall not be destroyed."

Who was this Ancient of Days? Who was this Hero with dominion and a glory and a kingdom? Jesus gloriously claims the title for Himself. Jesus asserts His authority over heaven and earth.

James, John, and Peter caught just a glimpse of the ancient of Days glory when on the mountain they beheld Jesus, "His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light."

Jesus is the seed of the woman. Sin and death had come through Adam. It had reigned from Adam to Moses and beyond. Yet the hero was revealed to be Jesus to conquer sin and death. In Jesus's act of righteousness the free gift has come to all men resulting in justification of life. In his obedience we are made righteous.

Jesus ascended up into heaven as the conquering king. God also highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

In Daniel’s prophecy, the mystery of the ages is unveiled. Christ is the eternal Son, exalted to reign forever. He is the one to whom the angels in heaven worship.

You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood. Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

The mystery has been revealed. Jesus is the key to the enigma.

The Unveiling of the Mystery

In each step, God’s plan becomes more clear. The light burns through the morning fog. Christ is the mystery hidden for ages. This isn’t just part of the story; Jesus is the story. Through foreshadowings, types, and prophecies, God gave His people glimpses of the salvation to come. The mystery was revealed piece by piece, pointing to Christ.

The journey through Scripture reveals God’s sovereign love. God foreknew and relentlessly pursued His own. He has an ultimate plan to redeem and renew the world in Christ. Today, we stand on the other side of this mystery. The story behind is no longer a mystery. We are fully aware that Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise. He is the true substance behind every shadow and the answer to every prophecy. As we marvel at this revelation, our faith is not in mystery alone but in the God who has made Himself known. This sovereign, patient, and loving God is drawing us into communion with Him through His Son, our Savior and King.

Hold onto the mystery of faith with a pure conscience, Christian. It is God's amazing story.