Complete in Him – The Fullness of the Godhead in Jesus Christ
Understanding the nature of Jesus Christ is at the core of Christian faith. The Bible reveals that in Jesus dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9). This profound truth—that all of God was in Jesus, fully divine and fully human—holds not only theological significance but also practical relevance for our daily lives.
Let’s explore what this means, why it matters, and how it transforms our relationship with God and others.
The Fullness of God in Christ
Paul’s statement in Colossians 2:9 directly addresses misconceptions about Jesus. To Greek philosophers of the time, the idea that God would take on human flesh was absurd. They viewed matter as inherently evil and spirit as good. Yet Paul declared that Jesus was both fully God and fully man—the God-man.
Jesus was not a partial deity or a superhuman being. He was and is God incarnate. As John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” In Jesus, the Word became flesh (John 1:14), revealing the invisible God to humanity in a tangible way.
Jesus: The Bridge Between God and Humanity
Sin created a chasm between humanity and God—a divide too vast for us to cross on our own. But God, in His love, made a way. Through Jesus Christ, He bridged the gap.
As Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 5:19, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them.” The blood of Jesus, flowing from the veins of the God-man, provided the ultimate atonement for sin. At Calvary, the wooden cross became the bridge over the great divide, bringing humanity back into relationship with God.
Union With Christ: Complete in Him
Believers are united with Christ in a profound and transformative way. The New Testament highlights this union with two key expressions:
1. Believers Are in Christ
When we are born again through water and Spirit (John 3:3-8; Acts 2:38), we enter into a spiritual union with Jesus. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
2. Christ Is in Believers
Christ doesn’t merely dwell near us; He dwells in us. Galatians 2:20 declares, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” His presence empowers, transforms, and completes us.
Complete in Christ: Eight Transformative Truths
Through our union with Jesus, we experience spiritual completeness. Here’s how:
1. New Birth in Him: Being born again marks the beginning of our life in Christ. This transformation is both spiritual and eternal.
2. Faith Anchored in Him: Faith is the foundation of our relationship with Christ. It connects us to His power and promises.
3. Justification Through Him: Jesus’ perfect obedience and sacrifice make us right with God, offering forgiveness for our sins.
4. Sanctification in Him: Through Christ, we grow in holiness, becoming more like Him as His Spirit works within us.
5. Endurance Through Him: Life’s challenges are bearable because of the strength we receive from abiding in Christ.
6. Victory Over Death in Him: Physical death is not the end for believers. Those who are in Christ will rise to eternal life with Him.
7. Eternal Union With Him: Our connection with Jesus continues beyond this life, leading to eternal glorification.
8. Fulfillment in Him: In Christ, we lack nothing. He is all we need to live a God-honoring, purposeful life.
Abide in the Vine: A Call to Relationship
In John 15, Jesus describes our union with Him as abiding in the vine. Just as branches cannot bear fruit unless they remain connected to the vine, we cannot thrive spiritually unless we remain connected to Christ. Abiding requires consistent relationship—prayer, obedience, and faithfulness.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
This relationship is not transactional; it is transformational. Christ’s invitation to abide in Him is an invitation to a life of purpose, peace, and fruitfulness.
Living Complete in Christ
In every area of life—whether in victory or struggle, in life or death—we are complete in Jesus Christ. His sufficiency is our confidence. His fullness is our hope. As Romans 8:30 declares, those He called, justified, and sanctified, He will also glorify.
Through Him, we have everything we need:
• Purpose for today.
• Strength for tomorrow.
• Eternal hope forevermore.
Final Thoughts
Jesus Christ is the fullness of God, and through Him, we are made complete. He is not just a figure in history but the living Savior who invites us into union with Him. If you are seeking completeness, know this: you don’t need to add anything to Christ or His work. He is all. He is enough. Abide in Him, and let His fullness transform every part of your life.
“You are complete in Him” (Colossians 2:10).
Let’s live out this truth and embrace the abundant life Jesus offers—fully, completely, and eternally.
From the very beginning, the enemy has had one goal: to steal what rightfully belongs to God’s people. Jesus made it plain in John 10:10: "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy." The devil isn’t just trying to make life difficult—he wants to take something specific from you. He wants to rob you of your position, your authority, and your identity in Christ.
The book of Jude may be short, but its message is packed with depth and urgency. As we continue through this powerful letter, we find Jude urging believers to contend for the faith—to struggle for it, defend it, and stand firm in it. This isn't about being argumentative or contentious, but about upholding the truth with both boldness and grace.
In Luke 5:4-11, we find a powerful moment between Jesus and Simon Peter. After a long, frustrating night of catching nothing, Jesus tells Peter to launch into the deep and let down his nets for a catch. Peter, exhausted and doubtful, responds, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing. Nevertheless, at Your word, I will let down the net." Did you catch that? Jesus said nets—plural—but Peter only let down one.
Trusting Jesus doesn’t always look the same. Sometimes, it means stepping out in faith, taking action, and moving forward. Other times, it requires waiting—resting in Him and allowing Him to work things out in His timing. We want to fix things ourselves, to hustle and strive for solutions, but sometimes, God says, “Wait. I will fix it. I will work it out.”
Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like you weren’t enough? Maybe you’ve been weighed down by past mistakes, insecurities, or the voices of the world telling you that you’ll never measure up. But what if I told you that the version of yourself you see isn’t the version that God sees?
Picture a vineyard, lush with green vines and branches heavy with ripe, juicy grapes. The vine dresser walks through the rows, pruning shears in hand. Every snip and cut, though painful to the branch, is intentional—designed to create space for greater fruitfulness. This image, drawn from John 15, paints a vivid picture of God’s role in our lives.
The message of Isaiah 43 and the testimonies shared are clear: God is in the business of making a way. If He could create rivers in the desert for Israel, heal broken bodies, restore shattered lives, and protect His children in impossible situations, He can do the same for you.
The Christian life is often described as a journey, a walk with God. This metaphor paints a picture of action, progress, and intentionality. In Colossians 1:24–2:15, Paul offers profound insight into what it means to walk in Christ. He challenges believers to stay grounded in the truth of the gospel, to avoid being captivated by hollow philosophies, and to live lives that reflect their faith. His words remind us that our walk is not just about movement, but about moving in the right direction.
As you step into this new year, ask yourself: Am I building a life that stands the test of time? Let this be the year you align your life with His will and bring hope to the valleys around you.
Sacrifice is rarely glamorous. It’s often messy, challenging, and uncomfortable. But woven into its fabric is a profound beauty—a beauty that reveals itself in the blessings and transformations only sacrifice can bring.
Hope Church of Iron Mountain is a 501c3 nonprofit registered in the USA, under EIN 99-0826997.
Contact us
©2024 HOPE CHURCH OF IRON MOUNTAIN, INC.
THE CHURCH FOR IRON MOUNTAIN