Mysteries Revealed in Christ's Fullness

The term 'mystery' used in the NT has been very mysteriously used in commentaries, always implying that there was something unknown in times past...

But if we look at the context of mystery - it is always something hidden, yet know-able, so then all these concepts like the gospel, the church, the Gentiles coming in, the marriage of Christ in the bride (verses below), are know-able things, yet the fullness is seen in Christ Himself

Thus the word mystery is also the origin of the term 'sacrament'
Something that is hidden from the world, yet known, revealed, to those who receive it in faith by the Word of God

All the things that happen in the fullness of Christ are true in the 'age of mystery'

- the church is there (ecclesia) (cf. Acts 7)
- the Spirit is given
- OT saints die and their spirits go to heaven
- OT saints can trust and know the methods and promises of the cross through the Word of God
- OT saints can be baptised (washed)
- etc...

indeed as Augustine says: "The sacraments (mysteries) of the Jews were different in their signs, but equal in the thing signified; different in visible appearance, but equal in spiritual power"

yet the fullness of these things happens at the appointed time, revealed in Christ - the Word Himself - plain for all to see - even the world!
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Romans 11:25 25 Lest you be wise in your own conceits, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

Romans 16:25-26 25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith -

1 Corinthians 15:51 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Ephesians 1:7-10 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Ephesians 3:3-6 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Ephesians 3:8-10 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 5:32 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

Ephesians 6:19 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

Colossians 1:25-27 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 2:2-3 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:9 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

Colossians 4:3 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison -

1 Timothy 3:9 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

1 Timothy 3:16 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.