UNSEARCHABLE RICHES

" . . . the unsearchable riches of Christ . . ." (Ephesians 3:8)

THERE is a magnitude in salvation that causes it to remain fresh and challenging to the redeemed. In Christ Jesus, God has provided "riches" that surpass any human conception or perception. Throughout history, men have struggled with small views of God and His great salvation. These struggles are temptations hurled at us by the devil. He knows if we view what God has given us as either small or unattainable, we will not extend ourselves to appropriate those things. How marvelous that faith equips us to deal with these temptations to think small.

THE details of our salvation, or the provisions brought to us in Christ, are called "the unsearchable riches of Christ." They are heavenly treasures men may possess, handle, and enjoy. These "riches" are not the remarkable experiences we enjoy, like joy, peace, understanding, etc. They are more lofty than human experience, as precious as that is. Here the Spirit is referring to the plans and purposes of God – His gracious intentions for mankind. It is what He purposed to do through Jesus Christ in a world blasted by sin, and among a people found in a condemned and hopeless state. Such a challenge is worthy of our God!

WE are talking about a purpose so lofty that holy angels cannot investigate, analyze, or comprehend it. As it is written, the prophets "did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into" (1 Pet 1:12). When they peer into this purpose, as revealed through the Gospel, their wisdom withers, and their comprehension becomes impotent. What is more, God has made no effort to personally explain it to them, even though they remain in His presence, are undefiled, and excel in both wisdom and strength. They cannot learn about it directly. The riches are "unsearchable" – even to angels, to say nothing of men.

NOW, however, these "unsearchable riches" are being made known to "principalities and powers in heavenly places" through "the church." (verse 10). This body of people consists of Jews and Gentiles that have been liberated from the guilt and power of sin, and made suitable to be partakers of a glorious inheritance (Col 1:12). In them, the purpose of God is being fulfilled–a purpose so vast and rich it cannot be imagined or contrived by the most prodigious of our race.

THINK of it! These riches include fallen people being "conformed to the image" of God's Son (Rom 8:29). By Divine intention, they are made "partakers of the Divine nature," and are the residing place for His Holy Spirit (2 Pet 1:4; Gal 4:6). They have been given everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3), and are scheduled to judge both men and angels (1 Cor 6:2-3). God has determined to give them the "world to come," over which they will preside with Jesus as "joint heirs" (Heb 2:5-6; Rev 3:21; Rom 8:17). These people, once deceived and defeated by the devil, are the ultimate dwelling place for God Himself (Eph 2:20; Rev 21:3). And all of that is but the introduction to these riches. In every sense of the word, they are "unsearchable."

– Given O. Blakely