Salvation First, the Mystery Follows
Introduction
Among the greatest errors in Christianity today is the confusion between the gospel of salvation and the doctrine of the mystery. Both are revealed to Paul, both are vitally important, but they are not the same. Salvation is the foundation, and the mystery builds upon that foundation. When someone believes the gospel of the grace of God, they are instantly saved, sealed, and secure in Christ. But understanding the fellowship of the mystery requires spiritual growth after salvation. The problem is that many teachers either reverse this order or mix the two, trying to press the mystery on those who have not yet believed the gospel, or worse, demanding understanding of the mystery as proof of salvation. The truth is plain: salvation is always first. A soul must believe the gospel of grace to be saved, and only then are they in a position to begin grasping the fellowship of the mystery.
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The Gospel of Grace: The Only Way to Be Saved
Paul is clear and precise about the gospel that saves in this dispensation. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 declares, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” That is the saving message. Nothing more, nothing less. A person must believe that Christ’s death was for their sins, that He was buried proving His death, and that He rose again the third day for their justification. Paul calls this the “gospel of the grace of God” in Acts 20:24.
This gospel is simple. It requires no works, no law-keeping, no baptism, no covenant allegiance, and no religious performance. It is received by faith alone. Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Once a person believes this gospel, they are immediately sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and baptized into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). That sealing is eternal. They are saved forever.
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Salvation Is More Important Than Sight
Once a soul is saved, they possess eternal life whether they ever understand the mystery or not. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” That peace is secure the moment one believes the gospel of grace. The fellowship of the mystery, on the other hand, is not what saves. It explains the believer’s heavenly identity, their position in Christ, and their role in God’s eternal purpose. It is vital for spiritual growth and for understanding God’s will today, but it is not the foundation of salvation.
There are countless saved men and women today who have never been taught Paul’s distinct apostleship. They truly trusted Christ’s death and resurrection for salvation, yet they remain blind to the mystery because of tradition or poor teaching. Their eternal destiny is secure, but their walk is hindered. This is why we say salvation is far more important than sight. To be saved but not see the mystery means you are heaven-bound but confused. To understand the mystery without ever having believed the gospel is impossible.
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Why Many Saved People Do Not See the Mystery
Paul warned that many would resist his teaching. In 2 Timothy 1:15 he wrote, “This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me.” These were believers, yet they rejected Paul’s distinct apostleship. Saved people often remain blind to the fellowship of the mystery for several reasons:
1. Tradition. Denominations teach their members they are under Israel’s covenants, the Sermon on the Mount, or Pentecost doctrine. These traditions make the word of God of none effect (Mark 7:13).
2. Pride. The mystery strips away all religious boasting. Galatians 6:14 says, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Many refuse to give up their denominational identity or works-based pride.
3. Spiritual immaturity. Paul told the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 3:1–2 that they were babes in Christ, not able to bear meat. The mystery is strong meat. Saved people who remain carnal will not grow into it.
4. Satanic blindness. The god of this world blinds minds, even of believers, to keep them from understanding the riches of God’s grace (2 Corinthians 4:3–4). Satan knows the mystery declares his defeat (Ephesians 3:10).
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The Order of Doctrine Must Be Preserved
Paul’s ministry shows us the proper order: salvation first, then sound doctrine. In 1 Corinthians 2:2 Paul said, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” The gospel came first. Only later did Paul explain their identity in Christ, their heavenly hope, and the fellowship of the mystery. Trying to explain the mystery to the unsaved is futile. The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14). Even to believers, Paul said understanding comes from the Lord after salvation (2 Timothy 2:7). We must not confuse the order.
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Why the Mystery Is Still Vital After Salvation
Though salvation is first and most important, the fellowship of the mystery is not optional for the believer’s growth. It explains God’s will today, the nature of the Body of Christ, and the believer’s heavenly inheritance. Without it, saved people walk confused, mixing law with grace, prophecy with mystery, and Israel with the Body. That is why Paul labored to “make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery” (Ephesians 3:9). Saved people need this truth in order to grow, to walk in sound doctrine, and to avoid being spoiled by philosophy and tradition (Colossians 2:8).
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Conclusion
Salvation is the foundation. The gospel of grace must be believed first, and it is more important than anything else. Without it, a man is lost. With it, a man is eternally secure whether or not he ever comes to see the fellowship of the mystery. But the mystery remains essential for growth. It explains what God is doing today, it magnifies Christ’s finished work, and it guards against confusion and error.
Therefore, we must keep the order clear: salvation first, the mystery follows. We do not press the mystery on the lost. We press the gospel of grace for salvation. Once saved, then we teach the fellowship of the mystery to help saints grow. In doing so, we follow Paul’s pattern, uphold the gospel, and magnify the glory of Christ in this dispensation of grace.