Metaphor is defined as a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. A secondary definition is a thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else, especially something abstract.

The reason I begin with this definition is because of the metaphor introduced yesterday. “Faith is the key to unlocking the mystery”. To unlock a mystery, one must know where to place the key.

Colossians 1:27 English Standard Version (ESV) To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Christ in us is the mystery to be unlocked but what does this faith key unlock?

Revelation 3:20 English Standard Version (ESV) Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Jesus is standing at the door knocking on the metaphorical door and we have the key, faith. Now where is the door? The door is ours because when opened He enters after we unlock the door with our key.

Ephesians 3:16-19 English Standard Version

¹⁶ that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

The metaphorical door is the door to our hearts. We must unlock that door to allow Christ to enter in when He comes knocking. Faith is the key that unlocks the door.

Colossians 2:1-5 English Standard Version

¹ For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, ² that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. ⁵ For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

This is the context within which our closing verse was referenced yesterday. In this section Paul reveals his intentions. His desire to encourage others, even those he has never met. His desire is to build unity in fellowship. Jesus said they would know us by the love we have for one another.

Do the words “riches of full assurance” remind us of the definition of faith?

Hebrews 10:19-20 English Standard Version

The Full Assurance of Faith

¹⁹ Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

Hebrews 11:1 English Standard Version (ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Faith is the key to unlocking the mystery, the hidden treasure of wisdom and knowledge. Faith is how we come to know Christ in us.

Galatians 4:19 English Standard Version (ESV) my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!

Being born again by faith in Christ is Paul’s desire for all of us, those he has met and we whom he has not seen face to face.