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B.--That passage read in the light of Gal. 4: 1-5 shows us the will of the Father
appointing His heirs. This will is unalterable and the predestination is not to sin but to
adoption and holiness. Read the next occurrences.
The Mystery of His Will.
A.--
"Having made known unto us the mystery of His will" (Eph. 1: 9).
"In Whom we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the
purpose of Him Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will" (Eph. 1: 11).
B.--The original will of God therefore shall be accomplished, but you will observe that
when the subject is the intervening period of bondage and redemption another word is
added.
A.--Yes, it is then "the mystery of His will".
B.--That is an important fact to keep in mind, and if you realize the place that "mystery"
occupies in the purpose of the ages you will not easily be misled by the teaching we
discussed a moment or two ago.
A.--Does your "typical" method of interpretation offer any help in this case?
B.--Yes, it does. If you refer to the Greek version of the O.T. commonly referred to as
the LXX, you will find that the word "mystery" occurs only in the book of Daniel. This
version called the Septuagint was in the hands of Israel many years before Christ, and
N.T. phraseology is largely that of the Septuagint. Now is there any significance in the
place where we find the word "mystery" in the O.T.?
A.--Daniel was the prophet who spoke most concerning the period dominated by
Babylon.
(To be continued).