The Sealed Portion of the Bible: A Book Within a Book and the Veil on God's Word
In our journey as followers of Christ, we often encounter profound mysteries within the scriptures, some of which remain elusive and hidden behind a veil. One such mystery is the concept of a "sealed portion" of the Bible—a book within a book, obscured and yet intimately connected with the truths of the gospel. The Bible itself, in various places, hints at a deeper, more complete revelation of God’s will that remains veiled to many, but through Christ, that veil is meant to be done away with. Unfortunately, many still choose to keep the veil on, missing the fullness of God's revelation.
The Concept of the Sealed Portion
In the Bible, we find hints of this sealed nature of scripture. The book of Revelation, for example, refers to a scroll that is sealed with seven seals, which no one can open except Christ (Revelation 5:1-5). Similarly, in the Old Testament, the prophet Daniel is told to "seal up the words of the scroll" until the time of the end (Daniel 12:4). These references all point toward the truth that there is more to God’s word than what we may immediately perceive. There is a deeper portion, hidden but waiting to be revealed.
The Veil Over God's Word
Throughout the Bible, we encounter the concept of a veil, a barrier that prevents us from fully understanding God’s word. In 2 Corinthians 3:14, the apostle Paul writes that the minds of the Israelites were "blinded" when reading the Old Testament, and the veil remains until they turn to Christ. This veil, then, is symbolic of the spiritual blindness that prevents us from comprehending the fullness of God’s truth.
The veil is not just a theological or doctrinal mystery; it’s also a symbol of human pride and sin. In the time of Moses, when he received the law from God, the people were unable to fully understand God’s glory and holiness. The veil was a physical manifestation of their inability to approach God directly because of their sinfulness and their hardened hearts. It was a necessary protection.
In the same way, people today continue to live behind a veil of their own making. They may read the scriptures, but they fail to understand the deeper meanings, or they intentionally resist or ignore the fullness of God’s revelation. For many, the veil is not a literal one but a metaphor for their lack of faith or their refusal to accept the reality of Christ’s atoning work.
Christ and the Removal of the Veil
Christ is the key to removing the veil that separates us from a full understanding of God’s word. When He died on the cross, the veil in the temple was torn in two, symbolizing that access to God was no longer restricted. This is significant because it marks the moment when the barrier between God and humanity was removed. Through Jesus Christ, the fullness of the scriptures—once sealed and veiled—is now made available to all who will receive Him and His truth.
In 2 Corinthians 3:16-17, Paul writes, “Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” The removal of the veil is not just a spiritual reality for those who follow Christ, but it is a liberating one. The truth of God’s word, the very heart of His love and His plan for salvation, is available to us without obstruction, without distortion.
Through Christ, the sealed portion of God's word is no longer hidden from us. The truth that was once veiled to the Israelites and to many others throughout history is now open to all who are willing to receive it. Christ has removed the veil, but unfortunately, many people still choose to keep it in place. The veil might manifest in many ways—through doctrinal misunderstandings, personal pride, or simply the unwillingness to truly seek after God.
The Call to Remove the Veil
As believers, we are called to remove the veil and embrace the fullness of God's revelation. This means we must approach the Bible not merely as a historical document or a set of moral instructions but as the living word of God, rich with depth and meaning. The more we seek Christ, the more He will reveal to us, for He is the one who opens the eyes of the blind, both physically and spiritually.
This call to remove the veil is not just about intellectual understanding—it’s about spiritual transformation. The word of God is meant to change us, to make us more like Christ, and this process can only happen when we come to the scriptures with open hearts, ready to receive His truth. In the New Testament, Jesus invites us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This invitation is not just for those who seek peace; it is also for those who long to see God’s truth more clearly.
Conclusion
The concept of a sealed portion of the Bible, a book within a book, speaks to the deeper mysteries of God’s will that have been hidden for a time. The veil over God’s word has been done away with in Christ, but many still live as if the veil remains. As followers of Jesus, it is our duty and privilege to seek the fullness of God’s revelation, to remove the veil of misunderstanding, and to embrace the transformative power of His word. Through Christ, the veil is gone, and the fullness of God’s love and truth is available to all who will receive it. Let us, then, walk in the light of His truth, with hearts open to all that He desires to reveal to us.
Dr. Phil Spears
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