Yes, the secret is that Christ is in Gentiles, the hope of glory.
The secret, as revealed in Colossians 1:27, is that Christ dwells in Gentile believers. This was hidden for ages but is now made known to God's saints. Les Feldick emphasizes that this mystery reveals the glorious inheritance and fellowship Gentiles share with Christ.
Colossians 1:27 — This verse directly reveals the secret: Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:26-27 states: "Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." This plainly declares that the mystery is Christ's indwelling presence in Gentiles, something previously hidden but now revealed. The Old Testament never hinted at such a union between Gentiles and the God of Israel.
Les Feldick teaches that the secret in Colossians is the revelation that Christ, through the gospel, now indwells Gentile believers. This mystery was hidden from ages and generations but is now made manifest to saints, as revealed through Paul's ministry. Les stresses that this truth was never revealed in the Old Testament or the Gospels but exclusively in Paul's epistles. He emphasizes the 'glorious prospect' of joint heirship with Christ, giving believers assurance, not doom or uncertainty.
Paul speaks of being made a minister according to the dispensation of God given to him for the Gentiles, 'to fulfil the word of God' (Colossians 1:25). He then declares that the mystery which had been hidden from ages and generations is now made manifest to his saints (verse 26). Les points out that this is plain language demonstrating that Paul was proclaiming something never before revealed.
Colossians 1:27 speaks of 'the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.' Les explains that this refers to the glorious prospect of Gentiles being fellow heirs and partakers of the promise in Christ, not by Judaism or the law, but by Christ's finished work. This brings assurance and joy, not fear or uncertainty.
The mystery was 'hid in God' (Ephesians 3:9) and 'from the beginning of the world' (Romans 16:25). Les teaches that it was God's prerogative to keep these things secret, and even the Twelve had no concept of them. It was revealed to Paul, a 'renegade' saved by grace, to be made known to all.
Glorious Prospect for Gentiles
Les teaches that believers have the assurance of joint heirship with Christ, not doom or uncertainty, based on the revealed mystery.
Riches of the Mystery
Les explains that the 'riches of the glory of this mystery' is the new revelation of God's dealing with Gentiles, never heard of before.
Mystery Made Manifest
Les emphasizes that the mystery was hidden from ages and generations but is now plainly made manifest to the saints.
Aspect of the Mystery
Les highlights that one aspect of the mystery is that Gentiles come into a privileged position with Israel's God in the Body of Christ.
Hidden in God
Les teaches that the mystery was hidden in God from the beginning of the world, and it was God's prerogative to keep it secret.
Not by Law, But by Christ
Les clarifies that Gentiles become fellow heirs not by Judaism or the law, but solely by Christ's finished work.
Same Level Playing Field
Les stresses that in this dispensation, Jews and Gentiles are on the same level playing field for personal salvation, with no special privilege for Jews.
Revelation of Mysteries
Les explains that Paul reveals mysteries that were unknown to the rest of Scripture, including the equal standing of Jews and Gentiles in the Body.
Colossians 1:26: Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Introduces the mystery that was hidden but now revealed.
Colossians 1:27: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Directly states the secret: Christ in Gentiles.
Ephesians 3:9: And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Explains that the mystery was hidden in God from the beginning.
Romans 16:25: Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Confirms that the mystery was kept secret since the world began.
The secret is that Christ dwells in Gentile believers, as stated in Colossians 1:27. This was hidden for ages but now revealed to God's saints.
God chose to keep this secret until Paul. It was part of His sovereign plan to reveal the formation of the Body of Christ after Israel's rejection.
Since the mystery includes the glorious prospect of joint heirship with Christ, believers can have assurance, not fear or uncertainty.
Watch the Teaching: The Mysteries Paul Revealed — Secrets Hidden Since the World Began