Topical Encyclopedia In the Scriptures, the concept of treasure is frequently used metaphorically to describe the value and worth of the saints in the eyes of God. This metaphor underscores the preciousness and significance of believers, who are often depicted as God's cherished possession.Old Testament Foundations The imagery of treasure is rooted in the Old Testament, where God's people, Israel, are described as His treasured possession. In Exodus 19:5 , God declares to the Israelites, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine." This covenantal relationship highlights the special status of the Israelites as a people set apart for God's purposes. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 7:6 , Moses reminds the Israelites, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth." This selection and sanctification of Israel as a treasured nation foreshadow the New Testament understanding of the saints as God's treasure. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the metaphor of treasure is expanded to include all believers in Christ, who are considered saints. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often emphasizes the value of the church as God's inheritance. In Ephesians 1:18 , Paul prays that the believers may know "the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints." This passage reflects the idea that the saints are God's treasure, a valuable inheritance that He cherishes. Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 4:7 , Paul writes, "Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us." Here, the treasure refers to the gospel and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within believers, highlighting the divine value placed upon them despite their earthly frailty. The Kingdom of Heaven Jesus Himself uses the metaphor of treasure to describe the kingdom of heaven and the value of those who belong to it. In Matthew 13:44 , He states, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." This parable illustrates the incomparable worth of the kingdom and, by extension, the saints who are part of it. Heavenly Rewards The concept of treasure also extends to the rewards that await the saints in heaven. Jesus encourages His followers to store up treasures in heaven, as seen in Matthew 6:20 : "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." This exhortation underscores the eternal value of living a life devoted to God, with the promise of heavenly treasure as a reward for faithfulness. Conclusion The metaphor of treasure, as applied to the saints, serves to remind believers of their esteemed position in God's eyes. As His treasured possession, they are called to live lives that reflect their divine worth and to anticipate the eternal treasures that await them in the presence of their Lord. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 19:5Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure to me above all people: for all the earth is mine: Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 135:4 Library How Man's Goodness and Righteousness are not Good if Compared with ... The Treasure of Grace The Communion of Goods. Satan Considering the Saints The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest. The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest. Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Dr. Martin Luther Concerning Penitence and Indulgences. Subject Index. The Death of the Righteous Resources What are Christian saints according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are patron saints? | GotQuestions.org Is prayer to saints / Mary biblical? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Compared To Saints: Branches of a Vine Compared To Saints: Calves of the Stall Compared To Saints: Cedars in Lebanon Compared To Saints: Dew and Showers Compared To Saints: Fruitful Trees Compared To Saints: Good Fishes Compared To Saints: Good Servants Compared To Saints: Green Olive Trees Compared To Saints: Little Children Compared To Saints: Lively Stones Compared To Saints: Members of the Body Compared To Saints: Mount Zion Compared To Saints: Obedient Children Compared To Saints: Palm Trees Compared To Saints: Pomegranates Compared To Saints: Runners in a Race Compared To Saints: Stones of a Crown Compared To Saints: Strangers and Pilgrims Compared To Saints: Thirsting Deer Compared To Saints: Trees Planted by Rivers Compared To Saints: Unfailing Springs Compared To Saints: Vessels of Gold and Silver Compared To Saints: Watered Gardens Compared To Saints: Willows by the Water Courses Related Terms |
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