Some of the most beautiful lines in all the Bible are Paul's words to the church at Corinth: "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" (~2 Corinthians 4:3-7~).

This treasure of which Paul wrote in previous lines is referred to as "our gospel," "the glorious gospel of Christ," "Jesus Christ the Lord," and "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God." It is no wonder that by inspiration he called it "this treasure." The word "treasure" translates a Greek word, which means: "1) the place in which good and precious things are collected and laid up; 1a) a casket, coffer, or other receptacle, in which valuables are kept; 1b) a treasury; 1c) storehouse, repository, magazine; 2) the things laid up in a treasury, collected treasures" (Thayer's Greek Lexicon). In another place he called it "the unsearchable riches of Christ." Once, Jesus alluded to this treasure when he asked, "If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?" (~Luke 16:11~).

A treasure indicates something of great value. The gospel treasure is of the greatest value, because of the price paid for it. The fundamental facts of the gospel are the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (~1 Corinthians 15:1-4~). No greater sacrifice has ever or will ever be made than the price Jesus paid. He gave his life for our sins (~Galatians 1:4~; ~Ephesians 5:25~). He shed his blood for many (~Matthew 20:28~; ~Matthew 26:28~; ~Hebrews 9:22~).

The gospel is a treasure because of its great power. God's power and greatness are seen in this world (~Romans 1:20~; ~Psalms 19:1~; ~Psalms 8:1-9~). His creation shows us his great power. We see his power manifested in nature's strength. The floods, storms, tornadoes, tsunamis, and hurricanes demonstrate nature's power. If the energy of a hurricane could be harnessed for one day, it would be enough to supply electricity for the United States for six months. However, there is even a greater power, the gospel power. Paul affirmed, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (~Romans 1:16~). ~1 Corinthians 1:18~ reads, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." It is the message of the cross that saves. This does not mean that the gospel is limited to simply the basic facts of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. It includes the entirety of the New Testament.

James wrote, "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls" (~James 1:21~). The gospel has the power to change one's life from the old man to the new man (~1 Corinthians 6:9-11~; ~Colossians 3:9-10~).

This treasure is of great value because, if accepted, it will save one's soul. What in this world is of greater value than the soul of man? Jesus said, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (~Matthew 16:26~). The rich man in the hadean realm recognized the value of his soul, but it was too late (~Luke 16:19-21~). The tormented soul would have given all the riches in the world if he could have saved his own soul. However, it was too late. God called another rich man a fool because he failed to include God in his plans. He thought he would just live forever, but he was wrong (~Luke 12:15-21~). Wealth is not wrong; but if one trusts in riches, as Jesus said, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for that man to enter into heaven.

Just think of the wonderful benefits of this treasure. It will save one's soul. It will reconcile one to God (~Ephesians 2:12-17~). It justify and sanctify one (~1 Corinthians 6:11~; ~Romans 5:1-2~; ~Ephesians 5:26~). By means of this treasure, one can have fellowship with God and the faithful (~1 John 1:3-7~). One who obeys the gospel treasure will have the avenue of prayer to the heavenly Father (~1 Peter 3:12~; ~1 John 9:31~; ~Matthew 7:7-11~). This treasure provides hope (~Colossians 1:23~; ~Colossians 1:27~; ~Romans 8:24~; ~Titus 1:2~).

The apostle Paul said, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels..." The earthen vessels, in particular, refer to the apostles; but in principle, it applies to every Christian. This work was not left to angels, or even to the Holy Spirit. Even in the first century, the gospel was carried by men. So must it be today. We are to carry the gospel to others (~Matthew 28:18-20~). The early church when it was scattered spread the good news of Jesus Christ (~Acts 8:4~). They carried the gospel to others. Let each of us tell others the good news of Jesus Christ.