Christ’s Prophetic Ministry in the Mysteries of Salvation

As a very special aspect of Christ’s functioning as Prophet in the realm of our sanctification, He leads us into the mysteries of salvation, in order that we would understand these mysteries in such a manner that it translates into the practice of godliness.

In practice, many tend to reduce the riches of salvation to, if I may say it thus, “what needs to be known to be saved in the light of eternity.” It is most certain that this is and remains essential above all else. However, the Christian religion comprehends infinitely more as far as spiritual values and benefits are concerned. How much there is to be known, enjoyed, experienced, and magnified as far as God and His revelation are concerned! The poet of Psalm 25 sings of those who observe “His covenant and His testimonies.” So it is indeed. These treasures are certainly not limited to the following “minimum”: “How do I become converted? how am I to be delivered from sin and guilt? or, what must I know and possess to have comfort in the hour of death?” Yes, it is not even limited to the knowledge of all manner of things which are beneficial and needful for me — things strictly relating to myself in order that in this life I may already enjoy peace. Let it be understood that all these are precious and good. We have not, however, thereby exhausted the rich contents of what we possess by faith. Let me rather say it this way. We have not thereby even come close to saying everything concerning the knowledge of God Himself—concerning what God has revealed to us.

Oh, how much there is to be known concerning God and divine matters above and beyond all this! What treasures and blessed mysteries there are! We refer particularly to the covenant of grace.

Indeed, God incorporates us into this covenant to experience this grace as office-bearers. It is here that we become the heirs of God and coheirs with Christ. Aside from my salvation in a narrow sense, what blessed realities are unveiled here, and what heavenly pastures filled with life, beauty, felicity, and joy unfold themselves before my spiritual eye!

What profundity of knowledge is to be found here concerning all manner of “mysteries”! How much talk there is in our days of intellectual knowledge, wisdom, profound knowledge, all manner of intellectual education in philosophy, theosophy, psychology, and what have you! These supposedly must either satisfy or please our spirits which yearn for loftier things. In the meantime, men do not have the slightest idea of the treasures of knowledge and wisdom that are hidden in Christ. Many of these modern intellectual spirits have turned their backs upon this foolish and stale Christianity without having the slightest idea of the divine wisdom to be found precisely in Christianity. If, however, you expound the treasures of the covenant and all that is concealed, for example, in the secrets of the Trinity and its functioning in believers, as well as many related matters—it then becomes evident that they have no notion of the depths and riches of the doctrines of faith, not even one percent.

Oh, that we would be given to supplicate often for the Spirit who blows upon the garden!

When an unpretentious child of God, having been taught by God’s Spirit, gets an opportunity to speak, however, matters flow from such lips which the “wisdom of the world” neither understands, possesses, nor is capable of imparting.

Consider this one truth, that God enters into fellowship with man in a covenantal manner—this being the most exalted manner in which one can speak of religion. You will perceive that this is a closed book for the world, for aristocratic unbelief, and for all humanistic and religious intellectualists. And yet, what treasures are to be found!

You can never study nor discuss this subject exhaustively. You who thirst for learning, here you must be. Here is a knowledge which passes all understanding. Here are mysteries which at the same time will promote your soul to the level of spiritual nobility. Here, according to the words of Peter, you can become a partaker of the divine nature. This is knowledge which simultaneously is life itself. It is this knowledge, being of a sanctifying nature, into which Christ leads His own.

Then we shall not merely say, “I am converted, or assured,” but rather, “I have been led into the mysteries of salvation.” Concerning the latter, spiritual life is but barren in our days. The prayer ought therefore to ascend, “Blow upon my garden, oh north and south wind” (Song of Sol. 4). This is specifically a fruit of Christ working as prophet within those who have been born again unto a new life.

Oh, what a precious portion this is! The lovers of such wisdom inherit something that endures. Christ dwells in His body (the church) by His Spirit to that very end. The body of Christ ought to exercise herself in this; for that is the purpose of her being a temple of the Holy Ghost and a garden of spices, full of sweet-smelling trees.

It is so lamentable, however, that the fragrance does not (sufficiently) flow out, even though the trees and the spices are present. Oh, that we would be given to supplicate often for the Spirit who blows upon the garden!

Professor Gerard Wisse (1873-1957) served as theological teacher at Apeldoorn, pastored several congregations in the Netherlands, and is well-known as an experiential author.

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