Reading the Bible is not a scavenger hunt, but a wonderful journey of discovery with Christ as the light and the Holy Spirit as your companion.
“Mysteries are divine truths that elude human understanding,” Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider once put it. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul asks for intercession so that he can fearlessly make the mystery of the gospel known (Ephesians 6: 19). Jesus Himself speaks to His disciples about the mysteries of the kingdom of God, to which not everyone has access yet (Mark 4: 11). Even the ancient Scriptures broach the subject: “Truly you are a God who has been hiding Himself” (Isaiah 45: 15) and yet “there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries” (Daniel 2: 28, NIVUK).
When the curtain falls
A God who reveals mysteries, but hides Himself: only to the prophets, only to a limited extent, and for specific periods of time. But this narrow gap becomes an open door. What God had previously only hinted at, He opens up in Christ: exemplified in the sanctuary. The inner sanctuary of the temple remained veiled—until the curtain was torn when Jesus died (Matthew 27: 51). What had been hidden behind a veil was opened in Christ: access to salvation for all—not as a mystery, but as revelation. God’s revelation was concentrated in Jesus Christ, the Promised One of the Old Testament and the Witness of the New Testament, and has been written down in the Scriptures.
How does Jesus bear witness to this revelation in the Scriptures? It was not easy. The Light had come into the world, and His own did not receive Him (John 1: 9–11). Often, even the disciples did not understand the Lord. There were questions and misunderstandings, and they missed clues (Mark 8: 17–21; Luke 18: 34). This is the area of conflict: history and mystery. Jesus is visibly active in space and time, but it is not just about dates and the course of events, but rather about meaning and orientation. “The mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ” (Colossians 2: 2), and at the same time “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14: 6). How does this fit together? Scripture supports both, so there is reason enough to open it.
Ministry, Spirit, and reaching for the Bible
Yes, the Apostles are “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4: 1). They proclaim the gospel and interpret the Scriptures. The Catechism of the New Apostolic Church emphasises: the Holy Spirit is a prerequisite for church; He turns human service into divine reality. And Jesus promises the Spirit of truth, of whom it says, “He will guide you into all truth” (John 16: 13).
But it is recommendable that we make personal use of the Holy Scriptures (CNAC 1.2.5.3). Holy Scripture is not only the basis for the divine services, but also comforts, edifies, and provides orientation in everyday life. At the same time, it remains clear that God’s truth is not invented but revealed. Isaiah says that my thoughts are higher than your thoughts (Isaiah 55: 8–9). This is why Paul says that “now we see in a mirror, dimly” (1 Corinthians 13: 12), but it is enough to forget ahead.
Don’t meditate moodily over something
The Emmaus story shows how this happens: two disciples were walking down a dusty road dejected and mulling over all the things that had happened. Their conversation revealed deep disappointment. Jesus joined them, but they did not recognise Him. He listened, asked questions, and then He began to talk about Moses and the prophets. Only later did they realise: “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24: 13–35). Christ is the key. This is what the Catechism teaches us. Holy Scripture is understood from the perspective of Jesus. It points to His gospel.
Word and bread, table fellowship
And this scene shows something else: recognition happens through hearing and sharing in communion. When Jesus has supper with them and breaks the bread, the scales fall from their eyes. And it becomes clear that faith does not grow while we brood over things on our own, but in the fellowship of our brothers and sisters, in church, in the sacraments. There, Christ combines words and signs, our hearts and minds, and transforms our individual paths back into a shared journey with Him.
It is a blessing when not only the ministers are prepared, but when they encounter an open, searching congregation. Those who read, ask, and pray beforehand, listen more deeply so that the sermon’s effect is greater. And so, Scripture not only finds its place at the altar, but also wants to be at the kitchen table. Why wait? Today still, you can read a chapter, say a prayer, or look forward to the next divine service or fellowship in your congregation, and set your heart ablaze.
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