Treasure In Heaven?

Someone asked me today, “What does it mean to ‘lay up treasure in heaven’?”   My conclusion from Scripture is that when one turns from selfishness to the generous love of others; and does so in the name and the power of Christ; they will receive the commendation of the Savior, showing that they value His “well-done” more than any earthly prize.  That is the treasure that we long for.

How do I arrive at that?   The first place in the New Testament that this is mentioned is in Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV),

“¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also “

To determine what it means, we need to first of all carefully observe the text in front of us.  We notice that the “treasures in heaven” are positioned in contrast with “treasures on earth”.  We also note that they are different in character and substance. The former is described as a place where they are secure; and the latter is a place where there is deterioration and loss.  Christ then gives us the ground of this imperative: “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”    Whichever one is valued the most will control the life.  So the ground and foundation for this command has to do something with how our life is being lived today.  His point is the “here and now” directing us to question what it is that is controlling our lives.  Are we controlled by things that will last forever or by things that will eventually go?

Now of course it is natural to ask, “What are the treasures that I want to lay up?”

A word search in a good concordance is where I would go next.  Why?  I want Scripture to interpret this.   So how is this phrase used elsewhere, if indeed it is?  So here are some parallel references:

What appears to be almost a synonymous instruction by Christ is found in Luke 12:32–34 (ESV)

³² “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. ³³ Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”  If you notice the context, Jesus is calling His disciples not to worry (“And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12:29–31, ESV).   Is there not a fear if we just “seek God’s kingdom” and not be concerned about food, clothes, etc.?  Yes, but do not fear.  Let go of your earthly goods.   This choice lays up treasure in heaven.

Matthew 19:21 (ESV), “²¹ Jesus said to him, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’”  Jesus is calling this man to make a choice between holding onto his possessions and by giving to the poor and following Him.  Apparently that choice produces “treasure in heaven”.

Another use of the phrase is found in 1 Timothy 6:18–19 (ESV) , “¹⁸ They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, ¹⁹ thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”   Again we have the notion of generosity, sharing and good works equated to treasure in heaven. Now verse 19 is critical to our understanding.  That phrase: “so that they may take hold of that which is truly life” is absolutely essential to our understanding of this important phrase. 

The ESV and NIV have properly translated this verse.  That is, literally, “so that you may take hold of life that is truly life.” In other words when Christians value generosity, good works, etc. above their own wealth and security, they start living the true life that Christ has purposed for them.

So in every case it is based on the choice we make.   When presented with a choice: do I concern myself with my own needs and own security versus being charitable and generous to others, I am proving, displaying, that I am a real Christian living life in the way that Christ has intended.  This then does not save you, but becomes a validation, a confirmation that you are really saved.  It justifies the fact that you have been justified (Romans 3:24).  So James wrote “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24, ESV).  This is the context and meaning of that controversial statement of James. 

The Bible speaks of a “positional” justification that is given by faith and faith alone.  James speaks of a “practical” justification whereby God affirms and declares that we are what we claim to be (Or better, what He claims us to be.) That is the “treasure in heaven” – it is the joy of our Lord declaring, “… Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21, ESV).

The treasure in heaven is ultimately the Master’s “well done”.  It is “laid up” by the Believer consistently making that choice between personal comfort, security and wealth and choosing to be generous.  These good works have been planned for in advance (Ephesians 2:10).   When done in dependence and in the power of Christ (1 Peter 4:11) and for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31), they exceed what is normally “filthy rags” and become “righteous deeds” (Matthew 5:20).

Good works are the unescapable indicator of saving grace.