5/13/25 – “And Ye Are Complete In Him”

 

Colossians 2 begins with Paul telling the Christians that even though they had not seen him, he still had a “great conflict” for them, wanting them to be knit in love, obeying the Lord, and staying away from false doctrines. Following these statements is the truth that in Christ dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily (v. 9), and the continuing statement, “And ye are complete in him” (v. 10).

 

Men spend years of their lives in a relentless pursuit of meaning. They seek joy and fulfillment in habits, events, people, etc. Yet, at the end of the day, their search continues! Solomon’s quest for fulfillment and joy in the things of this world (Ecc. 2:1-26) is a stark reminder of the futility of such pursuits. As he reflects on what he thought might bring him happiness, he concludes that it was all “vanity”. None of these things would follow him in the end. He was incomplete! It would not be until the end of the book that he finally reveals where his fulfillment is found (Ecc. 12:13)!

 

How can we be complete? It is not to be found in the devises and designs of men. Completeness is found in the Lord (Col. 2:10), specifically when we are in His body (Eph. 1:22-23). What is His body? It is the church (Col. 1:18, 24; I Cor. 12:12).

 

When we are baptized into Christ “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38), we are also added to the Lord’s body (Acts 2:47; I Cor. 12:13). Once in the Lord’s body, we are complete! Paul will point out that regardless of the “part” we play in the body (I Cor. 12:12-27), we have a role, a purpose, and this makes us whole.

 

Another description of the Lord’s church is that of a building. This building is built upon Jesus Christ and is “fitly framed and joined together” (Eph. 2:19-21). Again, we get the picture of a whole or complete building. Thus, with us, we are complete “in Him” (Col. 2:10)!

 

How do we have the relationship “in Christ”? It starts by believing Jesus is the Son of God (Jn. 8:24). We repent of our sins (Acts 17:30) and confess our faith in Christ (Rom. 10:10). These are not just steps, but significant milestones in our journey towards completeness. Based on these things, we then submit to being baptized in water “for the remission (forgiveness) of sins” (Acts 2:38, 8:35-38, 22:16). Once we are baptized “into Christ,” we “put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27).

 

Though once incomplete because of sins and trespasses, which brought spiritual death (Jas. 1:14-15; Rom. 6:23), we are complete since we have received the forgiveness of sins and have a new life in Christ (Rom. 6:4-6, 16-18)! The completeness or wholeness we have been searching for is not found with man, hobbies, events, money, jobs, earthly relationships, etc. Searching for completeness in the wrong places is what has left us incomplete! Turn to the Lord today and be complete in Him! Lay hold on eternal life (I Tim. 6:12, 19), live for the Lord, and see the blessing that comes in a complete life filled with peace, joy, purpose, and eternal salvation!

 

– Jarrod M. Jacobs