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Still rampant in our society today is the idea that ultimate fulfillment can be found through an exhilarating activity, an exciting lifestyle, or a stimulating romance. Advice abounds that we should pursue whatever will most satisfy our appetites. Social media influencers portray a curated version of themselves, preaching, “You, too, can be happy like me.” In one 1990s movie, a self-obsessed protagonist finally declares to his love interest, “You complete me.” Some translate this idea into Christianese, declaring that everyone has “a God-shaped hole that only He can fill.” This statement is closer to the mark than the messages of talk-show philosophers, Instagram mavens, and movie stars, but it still focuses on what we lack rather than fixing our eyes on who God is.
When “plausible arguments” packed with “empty deceit” (Col. 2:4, 8) tempted the Colossians, the Apostle Paul lifted their eyes to the fullness of Christ. He spoke of the fullness of Christ’s total divinity, how in Him is found “the whole fullness of deity” (v. 9). As the eternal Son of God, Christ is infinite in being, wisdom, power, and love. With the Father and the Spirit, He is the all-glorious “I Am” who, as Westminster Confession of Faith 2.2 puts it, has “all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in and of himself.” In His divine person, Christ needs nothing and fills everything with His presence.
Paul also reminded the Colossians of the fullness of Christ’s redemptive proximity. In the divine Son incarnate, all the fullness of deity “dwells bodily” (v. 9). It is possible that “bodily” here means something like “totally” or “truly,” intending to remove all doubt regarding Jesus’ deity. But Paul affirms even more—namely, the total sufficiency of Christ as our incarnate Savior. As risen from the dead, Jesus is full of saving grace, perfect sympathy, and redeeming power sufficient for all.
This leads Paul to the third and sweetest note of his song for his readers: the fullness of Christ’s saving efficacy. Through faith-union with Christ, he tells the Colossians (and us), “You have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority” (v. 10). There is no greater treasure for the Christian than union with this full Christ. He is full of uncreated deity as the Son. As the Son incarnate, He is full of wisdom and knowledge, full of favor with God, full of authority on earth, and full of power to save. And if you are joined to Him, He fills you with His own resurrection life (see Rom. 8:10), now and on the day of His return.
The cup of your heart may feel small, but as you hold it up to Him today, He will fill it to overflowing with His goodness and grace (Ps. 23:5). Believe in Him as the fountain of life that He is. Ask Him to bless the Spirit’s fullness in you. His steadfast love for you will never run dry, for “from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16).