The treasury of truth

Paul develops the third express goal he has for the Colossians and others, the desire that they might attain to all riches of the full assurance of understanding.

He implies the necessity of God's revelation, for this is a mystery, a truth that God himself has revealed. No mere worldly wisdom could attain to this.

He identifies the content of God's revelation, God making himself known in Christ for salvation. The treasures of divine truth are stored up in Jesus, the revealer of God.

He speaks of the riches of God's revelation: Paul never undersells the gospel! All that is deepest in God is summed up in Christ, the full, final, accurate spiritual encyclopedia - no supplements, updates, upgrades, or passwords to new levels required!

Man's own search for spiritual substance is a legitimate desire with a misguided method. God cannot be savingly known apart from Christ.

But, having Christ, we have God as our God and our Redeemer, and our life should reflect this reality. The root of assurance is a grasp on Christ Jesus the crucified Saviour. When our hearts are full of him, we are safe and blessed, for there is no room for anything else.