The word complete here is also the Greek word that is translated "filled". It's a little difficult to understand Paul's mind here.
But if we look at Col. 4:12, ".. that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God", then it gets even more confusing.
The word perfect here actually means complete, and complete means replete, or filled.
So for any one who wants to study these words, and by doing so seek to understand the truth here in a better way, I set it before you.
And may the Holy Spirit enlighten our minds, and comfort our hearts with the wonderful truth that lies within this one phrase: " .. you are complete in Him..".
3 comments:
I love this post because we are complete in Him and He has done it all for us. There is not one other thing we can do except walk in that completeness that He purposed for us.
Yes- I like the thought above "walk in that completeness" Amen, sister.
Don, great post and a wonderful mind-stretching question to help us search the depth of his grace. Here are the thoughts of FF Bruce on this wonderful verse...
"Not only so, but Christians by their union with him participated in his life. If the fullness of deity resided in Christ, his fullness was imparted to them. There is an affinity in sense here with the language of the Johannine prologue: 'from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace' (John 1:16). Without him his peple must remain forever 'disiecta membra'- incomplete, unable to attain the true end of their existence. But united with him, incorporated in him, they are joined with him in a living bond in which he and they complement each other (although they are not essential to his fullness as he is to theirs).
Excellent quote from FF!
Encouraging comments, thanks.
"If we have been crucified with Christ, then we have risen with Him, and we are also seated with Him in heaven". -Patrick Johnstone (I heard him say this the other night at Grace Fellowship Church)
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