Parables Of Jesus Christ: Hidden Treasure

The Messiah's parable of the hidden treasure:

"^13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." (Matthew 13:44 KJV)

"The hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory"

The truth of salvation has been hidden, to most of humanity, "for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (1 Corinthians 2:8 KJV; see also Why Two Comings Of The Christ?). That's why, for example, Christ said, about those who were torturing the life out of Him, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34 KJV). Ironically, some of the greatest later Christians, after they were able to see (e.g. see Paul's Blindness Lesson and Was Paul Among Them?), may have been among those killing, or jeering, Him to death.

"^2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect [see Perfection]: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: ^2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: ^2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. ^2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. ^2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

^2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but The Spirit Of God. ^2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. ^2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. ^2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ^2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. ^2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:6-16 KJV)

Judgment happens at different times, depending on the time of one's calling (see the Fact Finder question below; also Could Christ Return Tonight?).

"^4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. ^4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. ^4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. ^4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. ^4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God." (1 Corinthians 4:1-5 KJV)

Until the time of Christ's return, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels" - the Holy Spirit, the Truth of God's Word.

"^4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; ^4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's Conscience in the sight of God. ^4:3 But if our gospel [see The Gospel of The Kingdom of God] be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: ^4:4 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. ^4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. ^4:6 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.

^4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. ^4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ^4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed [see No Pain, No Gain]; ^4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. ^4:11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. ^4:12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you." (2 Corinthians 4:1-12 KJV)

Fact Finder: How and why is the "treasure," the truth and knowledge of salvation, "hidden," for now?
See The Cure For The Carnal Mind and When Will You Be Judged?; also Why Can't 'The Chosen People' See?