What are the Mysteries of God?
I got a little help looking at this topic by doing a google search and found that the lds.org site has a a lot of reference to verses containing those weords, but I guess what I was looking for was a list of topics that were the mysteries of God. I thought I had been taught to stay with the basics of the gospel and not concern myself with the "mysteries". A friend challenged that thought and suggested that it was a commandment to learn the mysteries of GOD. This reference I found useful in that it adds some additional thoughts to the subject namely: what is needed personally to discover the mysteries, and some general listing of what those mysteries might be.
What is the meaning of mysteries as that word is used in the scriptures? The best way to find out is to make a careful examination of those verses in which this word is used. The following is a significant sampling of those verses, arranged somewhat by context.
Matthew 11:25--I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Matthew 13:11--He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Mark 4:11--And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:
Only for Those Who are Prepared to Receive JST Matthew 7:10 (KJ 7:6)--And the mysteries of the kingdom ye shall keep within yourselves; for it is not meet to give that which is holy unto the dogs; neither cast ye your pearls unto swine, lest they trample them under their feet.
Alma 12:9-11--And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.
The Teachings of the Scriptures Mosiah 1:3--And he also taught them concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, saying: My sons, I would that ye should remember that were it not for these plates, which contain these records and these commandments, we must have suffered in ignorance, even at this present time, not knowing the mysteries of God.
Ask and They will be Given to the Faithful D&C 6:5-7&11:5-7--If ye will ask of me ye shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you. Now, as ye have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion. Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich.
D&C 8:11--Ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that you may translate and receive knowledge from all those ancient records which have been hid up, that are sacred; and according to your faith shall it be done unto you.
D&C 42:61--If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things--that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.
D&C 6:11--And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways.
D&C 63:23--But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life.
A Gift of the Spirit to the Faithful1 Nephi 10:19--For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.
Jacob 4:8--Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God.
Alma 26:22--Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing--unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.
His Servants are the Stewards1 Corinthians 4:1--Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
D&C 71:1--Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, that the time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will.
The Keys are Given to Prophets and the Priesthood D&C 28:7--For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead.
D&C 64:5--And the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom shall not be taken from my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., through the means I have appointed, while he liveth, inasmuch as he obeyeth mine ordinances.
D&C 84:19--And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.
What is this Mystery?Colossians 1:25-27--Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory . . .
Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah, p.124-125
What is the mystery? It is that Christ dwells in the hearts of those who have crucified the old man of sin, and that as a consequence they have a hope of eternal glory! Such is what the Lord requires of his children in working out their "own salvation with fear and trembling" before him. (Phil. 2:12.) And it is in this connection that Paul says, somewhat caustically, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost." ( 2 Cor. 4:3.)
Hidden from the world, but revealed in the hearts of those who are enlightened by the Spirit, this doctrine becomes the measuring rod by which the saints determine whether they are faithful and true. "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves," Paul directs. His standard for such self-judgment is: "Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" ( 2 Cor. 13:5.)
Meaning of the Greek Mystery in the New Testament, the translation of the Greek musterion {moos-tay'-ree-on} (3466)
--a derivative of muo (to shut the mouth)
The meaning of the Greek:
1) a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding
2) a hidden purpose or counsel; secret will: of men; of God: the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly
3) in rabbinic writings, it denotes the mystic or hidden sense: of an OT saying, of an image or form seen in a vision, of a dreamIn the KJV musterion is translated - mystery or mysteries 27 times
The LDS Bible Dictionary Mystery in the LDS Bible Dictionary: "A spiritual truth that was once hidden but now is revealed, and that, without special revelation, would have remained unknown. . . The modern meaning of something incomprehensible forms no part of the significance of the word as it occurs in the N.T."
D&C 76:7--And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.
An Interesting Example D&C 19:10--For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name.
All is not Yet Revealed While this discussion of the gospel mysteries clearly indicates that the usual use of this word in scripture does not relate to speculation about the unknown, it is important to keep this in proper perspective. There is yet much that we don't know! "There are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself" (Alma 40:3). It is wise to avoid speculation on such matters. Alma gives us the example: "Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me; therefore I shall forbear" (Alma 37:11).
What is the meaning of mysteries as that word is used in the scriptures? The best way to find out is to make a careful examination of those verses in which this word is used. The following is a significant sampling of those verses, arranged somewhat by context.
- The World is Not Given to Know
- Only for Those Who are Prepared to Receive
- The Teachings of the Scriptures
- Ask and They will be Given to the Faithful
- A Gift of the Spirit to the Faithful
- His Servants are the Stewards
- The Keys are Given to Prophets and the Priesthood
- What is this Mystery?
- All is not Yet Revealed
Matthew 11:25--I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Matthew 13:11--He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Mark 4:11--And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:
Only for Those Who are Prepared to Receive JST Matthew 7:10 (KJ 7:6)--And the mysteries of the kingdom ye shall keep within yourselves; for it is not meet to give that which is holy unto the dogs; neither cast ye your pearls unto swine, lest they trample them under their feet.
Alma 12:9-11--And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.
The Teachings of the Scriptures Mosiah 1:3--And he also taught them concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, saying: My sons, I would that ye should remember that were it not for these plates, which contain these records and these commandments, we must have suffered in ignorance, even at this present time, not knowing the mysteries of God.
Ask and They will be Given to the Faithful D&C 6:5-7&11:5-7--If ye will ask of me ye shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you. Now, as ye have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion. Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich.
D&C 8:11--Ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that you may translate and receive knowledge from all those ancient records which have been hid up, that are sacred; and according to your faith shall it be done unto you.
D&C 42:61--If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things--that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.
D&C 6:11--And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways.
D&C 63:23--But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life.
A Gift of the Spirit to the Faithful1 Nephi 10:19--For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.
Jacob 4:8--Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God.
Alma 26:22--Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing--unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.
His Servants are the Stewards1 Corinthians 4:1--Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
D&C 71:1--Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, that the time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will.
The Keys are Given to Prophets and the Priesthood D&C 28:7--For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead.
D&C 64:5--And the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom shall not be taken from my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., through the means I have appointed, while he liveth, inasmuch as he obeyeth mine ordinances.
D&C 84:19--And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.
What is this Mystery?Colossians 1:25-27--Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory . . .
Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah, p.124-125
What is the mystery? It is that Christ dwells in the hearts of those who have crucified the old man of sin, and that as a consequence they have a hope of eternal glory! Such is what the Lord requires of his children in working out their "own salvation with fear and trembling" before him. (Phil. 2:12.) And it is in this connection that Paul says, somewhat caustically, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost." ( 2 Cor. 4:3.)
Hidden from the world, but revealed in the hearts of those who are enlightened by the Spirit, this doctrine becomes the measuring rod by which the saints determine whether they are faithful and true. "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves," Paul directs. His standard for such self-judgment is: "Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" ( 2 Cor. 13:5.)
Meaning of the Greek Mystery in the New Testament, the translation of the Greek musterion {moos-tay'-ree-on} (3466)
--a derivative of muo (to shut the mouth)
The meaning of the Greek:
1) a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding
2) a hidden purpose or counsel; secret will: of men; of God: the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly
3) in rabbinic writings, it denotes the mystic or hidden sense: of an OT saying, of an image or form seen in a vision, of a dreamIn the KJV musterion is translated - mystery or mysteries 27 times
The LDS Bible Dictionary Mystery in the LDS Bible Dictionary: "A spiritual truth that was once hidden but now is revealed, and that, without special revelation, would have remained unknown. . . The modern meaning of something incomprehensible forms no part of the significance of the word as it occurs in the N.T."
D&C 76:7--And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.
An Interesting Example D&C 19:10--For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name.
All is not Yet Revealed While this discussion of the gospel mysteries clearly indicates that the usual use of this word in scripture does not relate to speculation about the unknown, it is important to keep this in proper perspective. There is yet much that we don't know! "There are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself" (Alma 40:3). It is wise to avoid speculation on such matters. Alma gives us the example: "Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me; therefore I shall forbear" (Alma 37:11).