THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL

And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel), (Ephesians 6:19 AMP) It's possible that the very foundational truth of the Gospel is the least understood by most Christians. 

Having said that it's questionable if anyone is really enjoying what the Gospel is all about if we fail to have understanding of this marvellous truth. As soon as Paul was converted he discarded all of his theology and dedicated the rest of his life to make known this great revelation. After achieving a passing grade in the school of religious law keeping,he trashed his certificate of achievement and cried out that I may know Him and the power of of HIS resurrection. (Phil 3:10) The 9th verse sheds light on this as he tells us his desire is to be found in Christ. In Christ he has found something superior to anything he has every had.He has exchanged what he calls my own righteousness which is of the law for the righteousness which is OF GOD through the faith of CHRIST. Now against the back drop of that gift he calls all of his own achievement a waste. It's also interesting to note how he obtained his own so called righteousness. In verse 4through 6 of this third chapter of Philippians he outlines the effort he expended for this grand accomplishment. When he had reached what he thought he was after he discovered he had arrived at a place called confidence in the flesh verse 4. Upon meeting Jesus in Acts 9 verse six he was told what he must now do in response to his own question. I find it interesting that he is about to discover the doing is over the receiving is about to begin. When Ananias arrived his words were I have come that you might receive. Paul received sight and he received the Holy Ghost, he received abundance of grace, and the gift of righteousness. Later the Apostle Paul will boldly declare what happened as follows: For if because of one man's trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God's] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). (Romans 5:17 AMP) Friends upon this foundation of the apostles we stand and reign in the life that comes from Jesus. As I have stated before I boldly proclaim again NOW we can have faith and live by faith in what Jesus has provided for us.

-Pastor Bill Annis, FCF Canada