Hidden Treasure. Colossians 2:3. Who would have imagined that so many blessings could come from trusting an unseen person? The more we listen, the more we understand, and it becomes better than when we first heard the truth of God explained in the Gospel. The Father and the Son reveal things we never knew or even heard about before, and the Holy Spirit impresses them on our minds and hearts. From that treasure house of God's wisdom and knowledge, He reveals to us some of what lies ahead in the future.
From the depth of His wisdom, He reveals the foundation of salvation by grace alone. Grace, to be true saving grace, comes as a gift, not something we earn. It involves substituting Him, perfect in every way, for what we could never be or do, not some man-made institution. This is why God can legally forgive our sins. He doesn't ignore our sins, but through a perfect substitute, He can justify us freely by His grace.
Because of the riches of His grace and full assurance of faith, we become aware of God's work. The Holy Spirit within reveals what has been done for us and will please God. Then, the Spirit shows us what God intends us to be and how to live in a way that honors Him. Out of the darkness of doubt comes understanding and divine light. From God's hidden treasures comes insight that makes my new life bright, meaningful, and satisfying.
It is a great relief when we can clearly see that God is satisfied. We cannot do anything to make ourselves right in His perfect holiness. Christ did that for us when He accomplished redemption; His work is complete, and there is nothing we need to add. When we believe and receive the Savior, we understand that our salvation is an accomplished fact. Any effort from our flesh is worthless, useless, and unacceptable. There is no basis in human actions to ensure we are right with God. When these hidden treasures become part of our new nature, we find the true foundation of our joy. Any weak attempts to add to God's work only bother and upset our new nature. Faith that reveals God's grace opens our eyes, and we walk in the newness of life with great relief. We reject any words that diminish the beauty and blessings of unmerited grace as false beliefs.
This doctrinal section of the Book of Colossians sets the tone for the practical application of a believer's life, as taught in the remaining chapters of the book.