Devotional | The Mystery of Godliness
Grace and peace are multiplied through the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness. We escape the corruption of the world not by willpower, but through God’s promises and power.
‘For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,‘ Titus 2:11-12
The same grace that saves us also teaches us to deny ungodliness. Grace is not permission to sin; it is power to overcome sin. However, we can be genuinely saved yet “stuck”—barren and unfruitful, forgetting that we are cleansed from our old sins, which lead to spiritual blindness and stumbling. Remembering the gospel (cleansing, righteousness in Christ) is key to stability and fruitfulness, affecting this life and the life to come.
‘And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.’ 1 Timothy 3:16
These 6 declarations embody the gospel scheme—God’s saving plan in Christ. Everything in our salvation hinges on these:
- God manifested in the flesh
- Justified in the Spirit
- Seen by angels
- Preached among the Gentiles
- Believed on in the world
- Received up in glory
These six declarations are without controversy, foundational truths within the community of believers. Here is a quick look at all of them.
1. God manifested in the flesh
Jesus was 100% God and 100% man—this is a mystery. We could not be saved until God became one of us. God bypassed the bloodline of the seed of man with the seed of woman to bring forth a Messiah, a new man, who could represent ALL men.
God made flesh is a vital, pivotal point of the gospel—our salvation. Jesus, as God made flesh and dwelling among us, chose to give His life as a sacrifice for sin—the Creator God in the flesh—His life is worth all of creation and more.
2. Justified in the Spirit
Justified in the Spirit has two main aspects:
- The Holy Spirit continuously bore witness to Jesus’ sinlessness and righteousness during His earthly life.
- The Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead, publicly vindicating (justifying) Him and, in that act, justifying us.
The resurrection is not just for Easter; it is central to daily Christian life. The gospel is Jesus’ death, burial, AND resurrection. He died for our sins, was buried with our old man, and rose again with our justification secure.
‘For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: 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,’ 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Without the resurrection, our faith is nothing. Because He IS RISEN, our faith has a living Savior, our sins are forgiven, and we have hope beyond this life.
3. Seen by angels
Angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation—believers. Angels worship God and also assist in His purposes for His people.
‘For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ Psalms 91:11-12
Angels are highlighted throughout the Bible, both the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Angels were involved in investigating and executing righteous judgment (Sodom and Gomorrah); in preserving God’s redemptive line (stopping Abraham from killing Isaac); guiding and protecting patriarchs like Jacob; and delivering and protecting Israel in warfare.
Angels have been and continue to be involved in all aspects of the Gospel. They observed Christ’s entire redemptive work. They are here to serve and minister to believers.
4. Preached among the Gentiles
We have an all-inclusive gospel. Jesus came to save the Jew first and also the Gentile, meaning other ethnic groups, other races, other tongues, and other tribes. We must preach this gospel to the whole world.
Preaching proclaims the gospel. It carries power to convict, convince, convert, and comfort. It affects the heart directly. Teaching explains the things of God. It produces maturity and discipleship. We must be anointed by the Holy Spirit, whether preaching or teaching, to renew minds and change lives.
‘How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”’ Romans 10:14-15
5. Believed on in the world
Jesus was offered up as a ransom for every person worldwide, but people are not automatically saved by this act of God’s grace. The Gospel must be believed.
‘But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.’ Romans 10:8-10
People have to hear the truth in order to be made free. They have to hear the truth of God’s love for them, the truth of what He’s provided, and the truth of exercising our free will and belief. God doesn’t make us get saved. He won’t make us go to heaven. He won’t make us love Him, but He loves us whether we love Him or not.
6. Received up in glory
The ascension is God’s final affirmation and approval of Jesus. It is directly connected to the coming of the Holy Spirit and the power to live godly lives.
The physical ascension of Jesus to be seated at the right hand of the throne of God is a part of the gospel—part of the mystery of godliness, or the gospel scheme. Jesus physically ascended, and He will physically return in the same way.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit happened AFTER the ascension. Jesus told the disciples to wait for the promise of the Father to receive power. We need power to be all God has called us to be and to do all God has called us to do through the Holy Spirit.
‘But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.‘ John 16:5-7
The disciples were sorrowful that Jesus was leaving, but He insisted it was actually better (to their advantage, expedient) that He went away. While Jesus was in a physical body, He could be in only one place at a time, with limited personal contact. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ presence is available to every believer, everywhere, at all times. The church becomes His Body worldwide and the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Learn more about how God’s divine secrets are revealed to those who fear the Lord when you access the FREE booklet, The Mystery of Godliness, available as either a digital download or a printed copy. Use codeTMOG to get the free physical copy using this link. Offer expires 5/24/2026.
Digital FREE Booklet Offer
Strong’s Concordance defines godliness as the gospel scheme; God’s divine plan/design to save and transform us. The Mystery of Godliness follows the six declarations about Jesus in 1 Timothy 3:16. Find out how God summarizes the entire message of the Bible in this verse.
Discover the Gospel scheme through this USB Package
This resource is a guide for every believer to understand God’s Divine plan for saving and transforming us. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.’ 1 Timothy 3:16 NKJV
Godliness flows from faith in the finished work of Christ
The Christian life is not about what we do for God. It begins with the mystery of what God has already done for us in Christ. Godliness is not about living a holy life by our own effort. It is acknowledging the holy, godly thing He has done for us through Christ.
This comprehensive package is perfect for individual study or group discussion, equipping you with foundational teaching from the Word of God to understand God’s mystery of godliness.
What’s Inside the USB Package:
- The printed booklet entitled The Mystery of Godliness
- Study materials and workbooks for deeper understanding
- Brother Duane’s 18 video teachings that expand on the book’s key principles
Get a deeper understanding of the Divine Mystery of Godliness!
Whether you’re a new believer or a life-long Christian, take a deep dive into the Word with Brother Duane Sheriff. We have everything you need to cultivate a deeper connection with the Lord.
Step 1: Access your FREE digital booklet
Step 2: Go all in with the USB package for in-depth study materials
Brother Duane has taught in depth about power of the resurrection on his broadcast, which you can watch on our website, app, YouTube, or on TV. Check out our website for books, video teachings, resource materials, and more.
We Exist To Help People Grow In Christ.
