HOW RICH A TREASURE WE POSSESS[1]
True and eternal riches are found in the finished work of Jesus Christ. In a world consumed with chasing fleeting wealth and possessions, these lyrics call our hearts to the incomparable treasure of the gospel. The hymn invites every singer to reflect on the immeasurable grace and inheritance he or she has received through Christ.[2]
You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.[3]
How rich a treasure we possess in Jesus Christ our Lord.
His blood, our ransom and defense; his glory our reward.
The sum of all created things is worthless in compare,
for our inheritance is him whose praise angels declare.
You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.[4]
How free and costly was the love displayed upon the cross!
While we were dead in untold sin the Sovereign purchased us.
The will of God, the Father demonstrated through the Son.
The Spirit seals the greatest work, the work which Christ has done.
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [5]
How vast and measureless the flood of mercy unrestrained!
The penalty was paid in full; the spotless Lamb was slain.
Salvation, what a priceless gift, received by grace through faith,
We stand in robes of righteousness; we stand in Jesus’ name.
For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory.
Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory.
Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Amen.
O God, the protector of all those who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy, that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; grant this, heavenly Father, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.[6]
How Rich a Treasure We Possess
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Corinthians 4.15).
[1] Words and Music: Matt Boswell, Matt Papa / Tune: RICH TREASURE. The Sing! Hymnal #209.
[2] Matt Boswell. The Sing! Hymnal, Crossway Publications, 2025, p. 920.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Pe 1:18–19.
[4] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Eph 2:1–7.
[5] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Heb 4:14–16.
[6] Prayer for Sunday Proper 4, Anglican Book of Common Prayer, 2019, p. 616.
