“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

The dictionary meaning of “greatest treasure” refers to the most precious possession or experience that a person values above all else. This could be material possessions, such as money, jewelry, art, or intangible things such as love, family, friendship, or happiness. It is something that is deeply cherished and holds great significance to an individual.

With that said, may I suggest there’s more… The greatest treasure a human being can discover is readily available, can change any and all earthly circumstances, and is absolutely free. Nothing is its rival. It is the Living Hope that never ends, founded upon the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This is where Living Hope lies—in the resurrected Christ.

As a believer, He becomes our greatest treasure or Living Hope. (1 Peter 1:3) Peter defines the Living Hope as an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. When held against any inheritance on earth, the inheritance we have as God’s chosen people is far superior. The things of this world will all perish, are all defiled, and all inevitably shall fade. Living Hope, on the other hand, is never-ending and sustains us no matter the level of thriving or suffering.

Yes, Jesus, as a person, is our Living Hope—not some eternal abstraction. His resurrection from the dead made possible our salvation to be with Him forever and marked us heirs to the many blessings He brings.

Living hope is called the anchor of the soul, because it gives stability to the Christian life. This hope is not a simple “wish” that such-and-such would take place. R.C. Sproul said, “Rather, it is that which latches on to certainty of the promises of the future that God has made.”

Living Hope in Paul’s writings focuses on the future blessings that believers obtain by faith in Christ and the realization of His love for us in salvation. This hope is based on God’s promises. We share in His sufferings, and we share in His glory. We have been given the Holy Spirit and a living relationship with God. If the scripture “God is for us, who can be against us” literally settles the faith issue, then Living Hope stands alone as our greatest treasure.

Rom 5:3-5; Prov 13:12; Is 40:31; Heb 10:2-3; Jer 29:11; Luke 12:34; 2 Cor 4:7