[345]The apostle Paul declares that he was made a minister, according to the gift of God, that he should preach to the nations the unsearchable riches of Christ, "and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be [made] known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord". (Ephesians 3:7-11) Thus we see that this great mystery is the Christ, and that for six thousand years Jehovah has been preparing for, developing and completing this great mystery; and that when completed, he will use the Christ as his prophet, priest, and king to minister unto the people, to rule over the people, and to bless the people, according to his promise. [346]The Apostle declares that the whole creation is groaning and travailing in pain, waiting for the manifestation of this great mystery. (Romans 8:19-22) The people do not know for what they are waiting. But when the great mystery is complete and Messiah's kingdom set up, then God will bring his long-promised blessings to mankind, and ultimately his will shall be done upon earth as it is done in heaven. What is a mystery? ¶ 298. How could Jehovah hide or keep secret his plan from others? ¶ 298. Has he kept his plan secret? ¶ 298. When Jesus was on earth, why did he teach by parables? ¶ 299. Did the disciples always understand his meaning? ¶ 299. Did he instruct the disciples how they would be taught after his departure? and if so, how? ¶ 299. What is meant by the spirit of truth? ¶ 299. When was the holy spirit given to the disciples? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 300. What is the meaning of the term "holy ghost"? ¶ 300. When did God's mystery begin to be understood by the disciples? ¶ 301. What effect has the mystery had on Jews and so-called Christians? ¶ 301. Define the mystery of God. ¶ 302. How did God foreshadow the mystery? ¶ 302. What is man's great enemy? ¶ 302. What is and always has been man's greatest desire? and how long has man been seeking for this thing desired? ¶ 303. Who was the cause of death? ¶ 303. At the time when God pronounced the sentence in Eden, was the statement, 'The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head,' understood? ¶ 303. When did it begin to be understood? ¶ 303. What great promise was made nearly two thousand years after the expulsion from Eden? Quote the promise. ¶ 304. Did that promise have reference to the mystery of God? and was it understood then? ¶ 304. Did Abraham understand the promise? ¶ 304. Did Abraham have any children at that time? ¶ 304. Through whom did Abraham expect the blessing to come to the people? ¶ 304. If the promise was renewed, to whom was it renewed? ¶ 304. What was expected through the seed of Abraham? ¶ 304.