First, we must be reminded the “he” refers to God. It was God leading Paul to write which is another way of saying this letter was inspired. Any writing which is inspired come from God. It is God who has “made known the mystery of his will.” The definition of the word “mystery” is something hidden, unknown. Second, God has made known what the “mystery” is. For generations, mankind has pondered what the mystery is, but today we know. The “mystery” could not be revealed until certain things were fulfilled. Until the time was just right mankind would not have understood and accepted the truth.
The “mystery” is God’s plan of salvation. Before creation God put into motion the exact plan of salvation which has now been revealed. Jesus, throughout His ministry, illustrated what the Kingdom of God would be like. Many of His parables and discourses bring home the truth that mankind needs a Savior and how God has provided one. This is how much God loves each individual. He knew there would be disobedience and the sinner must be punished. The punishment is separation from God forever, spiritual death. God sent His Son, Jesus, to walk upon this earth teaching mankind the perfect way of God. Then God sent His Son to die on the cross in our place to take away the sins of the world. There is a condition for each individual to receive the forgiveness of sinning against God. The only way is through Jesus Christ.
“According to his good pleasure” is telling us God desires for you to be with Him forever. This is why God made the plan before He created anything. “His good pleasure” does not say it is whenever God feels like it, but rather it is His love continuing to reach out to mankind. Peter wrote it this way in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”. Some individuals will look at this passage and say they are safe for God is patient with them; therefore, they have lots of time. Or they may say, “God does not want anyone to perish, therefore He will save us all.” The Scripture teaches the sinner must be punished which tells you there will finally come a time when it will be too late to make your life right with God. The key is no one knows how much time they have. This brings you back to the fact of being ready at all times to meet the Master.
The final phrase, “he purposed in Christ” reveals how “the mystery” was to be made known. God’s plan from the beginning was for His Son, Jesus, to be born of a virgin and to live a perfect life, yet be tested in all ways just as every individual is tested. Jesus is the sacrifice that was needed to cover the multitude sins of mankind. So, when all the components came together God sent His Son into the world to become the sacrifice which will save everyone who will come to Him, Jesus. The way to accomplish this is to make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior. You do this by believing Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. It includes repenting, turning away from serving Satan to serving God and confessing Jesus is the Christ. Then you are immersed into Christ to wash away your sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to live in you and guide you on the path which will take you home to heaven. It comes back to what will you do with Jesus Christ? PONDER THIS VERY CAREFULLY FOR YOUR DECISION WILL DECIDE WHERE YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY!!!!!!