Unfathomable Riches

There is much talk today about the “Prosperity Gospel”. That statement usually refers to preachers who preach that the followers of Jesus will all find wealth and prosperity in this life. That sounds good, but the Bible tells us that it is highly unlikely that we find our best life now. Not in this world, but we will find it in the world to come.

Hebrews chapter 11 is usually referred to as the faith chapter. It describes what saving faith looks like, and it also describes what saving faith might cost us on this side of heaven.

Hebrews 11:35-38 (NLT)

But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36  Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37  Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38  They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.

Those verses from Hebrews don’t sit well with the prosperity gospel. Why? They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. They knew that Satan was the god of this world, and they would never find real and lasting prosperity in a kingdom that belonged to the devil. So they put their hope in a future kingdom, the Kingdom of Christ. The Bible calls it “FAITH”.

Hebrews 11:39-40 (NLT)

All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40  For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.

God has something better in mind for us…those of us who have placed our faith and trust in Jesus. God has planned unfathomable riches for us in the future kingdom of our Lord. I like the NASB translation for this verse.

Ephesians 3:8 (NASB)

To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,

The NLT translation uses the phrase “endless treasure”, but I like unfathomable riches better. This is the point for today. None of us will experience our best life now, not in this flesh and not while we’re on this world that operates under the power of Satan. But something is coming! There is something on the other side of this life for those who have placed their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Unfathomable Riches!

The wealth and prosperity of this future world were kept secret for generations, but have now been revealed to the church.

Ephesians 3:5-6 (NLT)

God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. 6  And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.

Unfathomable riches belong to those who belong to Christ Jesus. We might not be able to write a check on that account today, but one day that check will be cashed by all who hold onto their faith and trust in Jesus. That’s why it’s called FAITH.

I encourage you to read and meditate on this last Scripture today. A Word from God that outlines great trials and great expectations. This is the truth for the church in waiting, waiting for unfathomable riches.

1 Peter 1:3-7 (NLT)

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,

4  and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

5  And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

6  So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.

7  These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Maranatha, Hosanna, Hallelujah and Amen,

Terry Cooper

Lead Minister