It is a common practice to acknowledge the presence of many in-depth teachings or mysteries hidden in ancient texts and symbols that are outside the ken of most people. A quick scan on the topic of religion/spirituality and self-help exposes a plethora of secret systems to the readers each teaching secrets never revealed in ages foregone. Based on this, secret orders and special teachers spring up to reveal these hidden gems and for a price.
While the secret mysteries may create an aura of divine providence on various religious/spiritual belief systems promulgating it, such a though is anathema to Christianity, for there is no secret that has not already been revealed to us. “But be alert; I have already told you everything.” Mark 13:23These are the words of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who taught at the temple of Jerusalem, and hid nothing from the people. In fact, he taught them everything and frankly without evading the subject at hand; even asking us to be on watch against false Messiahs and Christs and to recognize them by their fruits. The book of Revelation informs us about the last days that no secret teachings can even come close to. God’s plan to redeem mankind which even the angels were not privy to has been revealed to us and for free without anything brought to the table by us. This is how Christianity works; it works because of the grace of our Lord. In our faith nothing is hidden and no secrets are taught to special elitist group or cabal in secret chambers.We don’t talk about the abomination of desolation in hushed tones but publicly. We know who our enemy is and what stands against us: the son of perdition. Christians don’t hide all this but talk openly and to anyone who wishes to know about the topic or asks.We have no need for any special teaching or sacred knowledge. Our book, the Bible, has laid bare to us everything that we need to know. Besides it, there is no secret knowledge that can even add an iota to our understanding or help us in any way.
“Surely the Lord God does nothing, without revealing his secrets to his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7Our Lord keeps no secrets but reveals to us entirely what he plans to do and his plans for us, this our Lord has done so far through the prophets. By reading the Scripture we can understand what has happened, is happening and will happen. Nothing has been hidden from us; all that we need are eyes that can see and ears that can hear. The Christian must avoid falling into the trap of running after secret knowledge, for there is no knowledge that has been made secret to us and their knowledge is useless, it can neither instruct nor correct or protect us from the evil one. In fact, these secret initiates and knowledge comes from the evil one but let Christians stand behind the words that have been breathed by God.I conclude with a verse from the Scripture that will make Christians smile to the clarity and openness with which our Lord speaks.
“Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” Mark 14:18Jesus Christ never even kept his betrayal, his sufferings, his death and his resurrection – a plan that would bring Satan to his knees – a secret!
