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"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of  angels, preached unto the nations, believed on in the world, received up into glory." [1 Timothy 3:16].

         Without controversy-- literally confessedly, said unanimously; for the Greek combines three words: homo-- like, logou-- speech, menos-- remain, and thus bespeaks that everyone remains with the same confession, THAT GREAT IS THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS. Indeed, this it has been, for even Christendom has never uncovered much of the mystery. Nor would we indicate that we have a full and complete revelation on it, but we share what He has quickened, and know that He shall add thereto, line upon line, precept upon precept. Such spiritual treasures are not comprehended by one individual alone, for there are so many facets of beautiful truth, but as the body flows together in sharing, each of their portion, a clearer view emerges, and in Him we rejoice,
         Godliness-- Greek, eusebeia, piety, reverence. As a noun it bespeaks of a state of being, the quality or state of being pious, righteous. As an adjective it would be GODLY, showing the qualities of being god-like, but as a noun it speaks of what he IS IN BEING.
         Significantly, Paul outlines this mystery in six progressive steps. Six is the number of man, and this GODLINESS deals with mankind, portrayed for man through the MAN CHRIST JESUS, as that which we also are to share, for "as He is, so are we in this world." [1 John 4:17].
         Remember also, a mystery is that which is "known only to the initiated." Only in the measure that the Spirit of God works these processings into us, do we comprehend them. We might be well able to quote "the letter of the word" in outlining the steps, but until the SPIRIT OF THE WORD quickens it within, and works it into us, we do not rightly and fully understand. For just as surely as this "mystery of Godliness" is revealed in Christ Jesus, as a work to be wrought in us, it is also true that "having eyes to see, they saw not," for "God hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end." [Ecclesiastes 3:11]. Therefore "He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not." [John 1:10].  He was in the world in human form, and the very personification of godliness-- in state, in being, in quality. He did not just act godly, He was in very essence true godliness.
         Now, the operation of the mystery of godliness is also being wrought out today, but the world, even the religious world, knows little, or nothing about it.
         The Lamsa translation reads: "Truly great is this divine mystery of righteousness; it is revealed in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory."
         The first key in understanding this mystery, as it relates to us, is in the fact that the word translated as "God" in the King James version, is not "THEOS" in the Greek text, but it is "hos" which means "who, or which," even as Wuest translates it, "WHO was made visible in the sphere of flesh." For while it gives the process as wrought out in our Lord Jesus Christ, it is also to be shared by those who are apprehended to become ONE IN HIM. Yes, "in all things He shall have preeminence." [Colossians 1:18]. Yet He is "the firstborn among many brethren," [Romans 8:29], for He is "bringing many sons unto glory." [Hebrews 2:10].
         1 ) "WHO was manifest in the, flesh." For all the glories of the very heavenlies to be revealed, for all the wonders of the spiritual heights to which He has called us, let it be known that the process begins right down here in the sphere of flesh. "That the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh." [Corinthians 4:11].  Greater revelations will require transformed bodies to manifest them, but there is that which can be revealed right in the nitty-gritty of our earthly sojourn, and it is part of the mystery of godliness. Not only was Jesus Christ to reveal the nature of God in human form, but He also shall have a people who reveal HIM through their daily living. And "we have this treasure IN EARTHEN VESSELS, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." [2 Corinthians 4:7].
         Truly, "THE WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us . . . full of grace and truth. " [John 1:14]. "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also likewise took part of the same." [ Hebrews 2: l 4].  A part of the mystery of Godliness is the fact that God has made it a part of His purpose of the ages to place His "spirits" (for He is the Father of spirits) in human flesh. [Hebrews 12:9]. He has subjected us to this earthly body for a purpose.
        The vast majority of people are born, live, and die without ever knowing why they had this sojourn upon earth. Yet God is able to quicken to our understanding the reason why out from the bosom of God; He brought us to tabernacle in these vessels of clay, with our minds veiled over with darkness upon the face of the deep. We shall yet understand why we are brought through this travail, learning obedience by the things we suffer, etc. even as Christ. Though we have but heard the "whispers of the mysteries," we shall go on to "know even as also I am know." [1 Corinthians 13:12]. "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine . . . " [John 7:17].  Suffice it for now, to repeat, the mystery of godliness does not begin when we all get to heaven, it has begun even now with our being made "manifest in the flesh. "
        "For Thou has possessed my reins: Thou has covered me , in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." [Psalm 139:13-14].
         The wonders of our spirit being placed in this flesh body, to be exercised by this subjection to vanity, is awesome to contemplate. And then the even greater wonder that because we are partakers of flesh and blood, HE ALSO likewise took part of the same-- miraculous in His conception, condescending to men of low estate, to share with us our weakness, that we in turn might share with Him of His life and power. Truly a mystery of godliness.
         2 ) "Justified in the spirit." That which is being wrought in us while we are in this flesh body, has its deeper consequences in our spirit. This body is but loaned to us for a time while He is processing our spirit. The outward becomes the portrayal ground for the inner work in our spirit. The inner attitudes, the developing character, as God, through the very operation of our daily travail brings us into that state of being where we are piety, righteous. Not just to act pious, but to BE. Purged of all jealousy, envy, pride, etc. these distortions of spirit are not godliness, they are a part of the workings of iniquity. But there shall be those who are truly JUSTIFIED In spirit.
         Remember, righteousness does not consist in doing righteousness, but of BEING righteous, it is a state of being, "as He is. " To be declared justified, is literally TO BE DECLARED RIGHTEOUS. What you are IN BEING then you will manifest in action, for the doing is the result, the being is the cause.
        To be justified in spirit, is to be declared righteous in spirit.  It is also to be noted, this is not forgiveness or pardon. Forgiveness is, of necessity, a recognition of guilt, but justification is a declaration of NOT GUILTY.  It does not mean to make righteous, for this, too, would be a recognition of guilt, of unrighteousness, and thus justification would be a correcting of an unrighteous state, not a declaration of being righteous. Nor, as so often taught, does it mean just-as-if-I've-never-sinned, for this would be an admission of guilt which would make it impossible to be declared not guilty.
         We read, "And all the people that heard Him, and the publicans, justified God " [ Luke 7:29]. They did not make Him righteous, or as though He has never sinned, nor did they forgive Him, or pardon Him, THEY DECLARED HIM TO BE RIGHTEOUS, for that is what He is in state of being.
        There is only one way we can be justified in spirit, and that is to have been so dealt with His cross, that we have died out to all other spirits, to become ONE SPIRIT in Him, "he that is joined to the Lord is one spirit." [1 Corinthians 6:17].
         Of Jesus THE MAN, we read, "Though He were a Son , yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; and being made perfect . . ," [Hebrews 5:8-9], it rightly follows that HE WAS DECLARED RIGHTEOUS IN SPIRIT.
         Justified in spirit means that no more are we tainted with the spirit of the world, or any of the things which pervert and destroy, no more are we of that "I will" spirit of self, but totally become a new creation in Christ. Therefore the mystery of godliness includes all the processing whereby we are made free from all defilement of spirit, that we might be JUSTIFIED, i.e. be declared righteous in spirit-- pure as He is pure, holy as He is holy. "If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him." [1 John 2:29]. "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: he cannot sin, because he is born of God." [1 John 3:9].
         Religious systems of man have all produced their outward works, to be judged by their deeds, with standards to be met, and thus declared righteous because of what they did-- but works only produce a self-righteousness. God deals from inside out, and HE cleanses our spirit. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." [Psalm 51:l0]. "I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts." [ Hebrews 8:10]. "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you . . . and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them." [ Ezekiel 36:26-27 ]. When we are filled with His Spirit, one in His Spirit, then "the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me." [John 14:30], and we will have been brought to that state of being where HE can declare us justified in spirit, for we are "to be made (BECOME) the righteousness of God in Him." [2 Corinthians 5:21].
         3 ) "Seen by angels." The Greek work for "angels,' is simply MESSENGERS which can be either earthly or heavenly, depending on the context of the scripture. where it says that John the Baptist sent "his messengers to Jesus" to ask Him something, it is the same Greek word for "angels." Certainly God has sent those earthly messengers to us which were able to aid us on our way, and this is a vital part of the outworking of the mystery of godliness. But in no way would we limit this to our earthly helpers. Christ was often ministered unto by the heavenly host, "behold, angels came and ministered unto him." [Matthew 4:11].  And when they came into the Garden to take Jesus away, and Peter took out his sword to defend Jesus, our Lord reminded him, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than 12 legions of angels?" [Matthew 26:53]. Full well He knew of that angelic assistance that was constantly available.
         How blessed also is the promise to us-ward, "For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy  ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy food against a stone." [Psalm 91:11-12].
         "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." [Psalm 34:7].
         Praise God for those "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister, for them who shall be heirs of salvation." [ Hebrews 1:14].
        Our God knows our frame, He remembereth our weaknesses, and that we need HELP in these processings, if we are to come to the full glory of the outworking of this mystery of godliness, and HE has those who stand in attendance before Him, whom He sends forth to minister unto us, though for the most part we are not aware of their ministry.
         4 ) "Preached among the Gentiles." Preached-- literally, to be announced, or proclaimed. While the word "Gentiles" is simply "nations." He was announced by the Angels at His birth. He was announced by John the Baptist at the beginning of His public ministry. He was announced by His disciples after His resurrection. We need not list the many scriptures which bear witness to how He has been preached about the nations, for it is evident to all.
         But how does this aspect of the mystery of godliness apply to us. Jesus clearly stated, "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory." [John 7:18]. Paul stated, "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." [2 Corinthians 4:5]. Because of our desire to exalt only Christ, we will not go forth proclaiming our own name. They who do so have not progressed very far in this working of the mystery of godliness. Yet, it is equally true that a "city set on an hill cannot be hid." [Matthew 5:I4]. So the more HIS  LIFE is revealed through you, the more others will speak of you, announce you among the nations. They said of Paul and Silas "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also." [Acts 17:6].  Yes, others announced Jesus, but Jesus directed all attention to His Father. Today, others may speak of us, because of what HE is becoming within us, but we will speak only of HIM, not of ourselves. This is a true manifestation of PIETY.
         5 ) "Believed on in the world." When Jesus had ministered unto the woman at the well, she in turn went and announced Him to the city of Samaria, and they came out unto Him, received His word, "And many more believed because of His own word." [ John 4:41].  Believed on-- YES, and we too believe on Him, and by our believing receive of the inflow of His life.
        "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper." [2 Chronicles 20:20]. Thus God places His message of truth in the mouth of His people, they declare it, and those who believe them receive its blessing. The more that we become HIS TRUTH, with our life consistent with what we speak, the more we, also, shall be believed on in the world. No need to expand this further now, but it is a part of the mystery of godliness.
         6) "Received up into glory." "While they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight." [Acts 1:9]. "He raised Him from the dead, set Him at His own right hand in the heavenlies, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion . . ." [Ephesians 1:20-21]. He shares the Father's throne, crowned with glory and honor.
         Now, of His own it is also written, "Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward RECEIVE ME IN GLORY." [Psalm 73:24]. And Jesus prayed, "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them." [John 17:22]. "Because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." [2 Thessalonians 2:13-14]. Indeed, "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." [Romans 8:18].
         The process which begins with our subjection to vanity and the bondage of corruption, "manifest in the flesh," then proceeds through all the various purgings and purifying until we are "justified in spirit." Aided by all the ministries of angels, there shall come forth a people renown-- indeed, "The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own." [ Rom. 8: l9, Phillips ]. They shall stand out in bold relief against the blackness of iniquity, and they shall be in sharp contra-distinction to the confusions of Babylon. Tidings of HIS FIRST FRUITS of the new creation shall be announced everywhere, and they shall be believed on in the world. "When he seeth his children, the work of Mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify My name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine." [Isaiah 29:23-24].
        "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together."  [Isaiah 40:5].  For being "received up into glory" does not mean a rapture away to a far distant galaxy, but being received into new dimensions of His life and reality, that in turn they might MANIFEST HIM to all mankind. "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." [ Habakkuk 2:14].  And then shall be fulfilled the Word of the Lord, spoken through the prophet, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. The Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentles shall come to thy light, and the kings to the brightness of thy rising." [Isaiah 60:1-3]. This is the mystery of godliness fulfilled in those who become piety, become His righteousness!
         The mystery of godliness is revealed through Jesus Christ, demonstrated before man, as a living parable; men saw it, but understood it not. They knew not that it was GOD manifest in the flesh, Emmanuel, "God with us." And little does the world realize today that there is a new creation order being brought forth to fulfill again this glorious mystery. Not until man had done unto Him "whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done," [Acts 4:28] did some acknowledge, and "feared greatly, saying, truly this was the Son of God." [Matthew 27:54].  And "when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, certainly this was a righteous man." [Luke 23:45]. So also, not until HIS PROCESSINGS IN US ARE COMPLETE, as we are received into glory, will the world begin to understand what has been taking place in their midst.
                                                          Earth in wonderment shall stand to survey what God hath planned
                                                          Scarce believing what they long have searched to see,
                                                          A creation fully new, with the image of the true,
                                                          A new man possessing perfect liberty.

        It is not of the old creation, it is of the NEW. "Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." [2 Corinthians 5:17].
        After the healing of the lame man at the Gate Beautiful, Peter said, "Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness (godliness) we had made this man to walk?" [Acts 3:12]. They were looking only on the outward flesh-form, and Peter was determined that they would not glorify his flesh. It was not a miracle wrought by human holiness, or godliness, piety. It was by the power of the CHRIST WITHIN, the new spiritual life, which they could not see.
         Earlier, as they had approached the lame man, Peter had said to him, "Look on us,"  to gain his attention, and "he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. " But he saw only the natural, and expected only the natural. So Peter went on, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." Then the invisible virtue of God healed the man. LOOK, but not on the outward, the weakness of the flesh. Nor look not upon any form of self righteousness. But see the INNER LIFE, the Christ-life, for there is evolving a GODLINESS, a new creation that is all righteous, it is Christ within.
         When Paul spoke to the men on Mars' hill, having beheld their devotions, with an altar "To the unknown God, " he said to them, "Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you." [Acts 17:23]. The word "worship" is the adjective form of our word for godliness, piety.  While some have a little piety toward God, they are engulfed in ignorance concerning a personal relationship with Him, or their BECOMING a part of this godliness.
         The there are others, Paul writes, "Having a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof." [2 Timothy 3:5]. Or, as Wuest gives, "Having a mere semblance of piety toward God but denying the power of the same." It is the POWER of our piety toward God that will change us into the same-- these did not want to be changed. They would accept a form of religion so long as it did not upset or change the course of their lives. We have no desire to follow any longer just the form of godliness, appearances of reverence and piety, but we desire that HE who dwells within us, and is the very POWER OF GODLINESS would continue to work in us until we have BECOME the personification of this mystery fulfilled.
        "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." [1 Timothy 4:7-8].
         Note the word "profane," from the Greek word signifying "crossing the doorway," that is, going outside of that which is sacred, to take up with that which is pagan heathenish. There is no overcoming, no kingdom life, in the mixing of truth with paganism, yet Christendom is filled with such confusion. Creeds and traditions of man based on this violation of truth do not gender holiness, nor godliness. That which is being INITIATED INTO GODLINESS will refuse all that is profane. And I dare say, only those in whom His Spirit dwells, to guide us into all truth, will be able to discern between the holy and the profane-- and thus be able to discard that which is unsanctified.
         They shall also refuse old wives' fables. Many things are taught which are only handed down myths and legends, out of the carnal mind from long ago. But though they are venerable as the tradition, as ancient as the pyramids, as orthodox as anything in past or modern theology, when it is only the fruit-age of the carnal mind, and not Spirit-revealed truth, we do well to cast it aside.
         Peter was able to write, "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty." [2 Peter 1:16].
         Thank God, there is "the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness." [Titus 1:1]. The Amplified gives, "Accurate discernment and recognition of and acquaintance with the truth which belongs to and harmonizes with and tends to godliness." For the inworking of truth will result in our being changed into a state of godliness.
         But those who are of "corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, (will) suppose that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." [1Timothy 6:5].  Another translation bears out the thought that those who are bereft of the truth will imagine that godliness or righteousness is a source of profit-- a money-making business. Certainly there are enough examples of that in the land these days. More interested in money than they are in BEING CHANGED INTO A STATE OF GODLINESS. Rather they would only use "the religious realm" as a means of making money. we need not expand on this abomination.
         Others have done despite to the truth when they suppose and equate gain with godliness-- that is, suppose it is because they are so "spiritual" is why they are being blessed with such prosperity, and they measure a man's spiritual state with his possessions. Godliness is not something used to bring gain, nor is it measured by gain. It is the inner transformation wrought by God whereby we become ALL-RIGHTEOUS. Certainly to those interested only in natural things, gain, prosperity, true godliness is a mystery.
         Nevertheless, we rejoice in that "According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue." [2 Peter 1:3].  And He shall lead us through every processing and dimension of inworking until He has truly "received us up into glory. " Bless His holy name!

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