"No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1Cor 3:11 He is our sure foundation. He is the solid rock upon which we stand, all other ground is sinking sand. As one finds a hidden treasure in the field so in Christ we find a hidden treasure of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The salvation he provides is not just sufficient. We are not just barely saved. We are overwhelmingly saved. "For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" Rom 5:10 He not only forgives; He adopts us into the family of God; and He changes us internally so as to be holy and blameless in His presence.

It is through Jesus Christ that we know God. "No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known." John 1:18And "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God— that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." 1Cor 1:30 The gospel is knowledge and wisdom is the right application of that knowledge. Through wisdom and insight we have faith in Jesus Christ, which leads to salvation. So also living the Christian life requires knowledge, information. But it also requires wisdom to apply that knowledge properly. All these are in Christ who is as a treasure chest.

The chest is locked. What is the key? What will open this teasure chest of salvation wisdom and knowledge? It is fear which is the key - the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We are talking about actual fear and not simply what some term "reverence." When Jesus said, "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.  But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." Lk 12:4,5 Jesus was not simply saying to respect God, but rather to fear God even much more so than one who points a gun at your head. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men." 2Cor 5:10,11