Sunday, October 1, 2017

The Fulness of God -Not a Distant God


Jesus Christ contained the complete filling of the Godhead.  'Godhead' was used interchangeably with the word 'Godhood' (Some theologians say it is a Middle English variant and some say it is a synonym). The '-hood' suffix as found in manhood, childhood or neighborhood, and personhood, is a word that describes the qualities or state of being (essence) of the entity it is describing. It is about the 'what' rather than 'who'. (Check out Acts 17:29, Romans 1:20, Colossians 2:9)
For in (Jesus Christ) him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete (Greek = pleroo) in him, which is the head of all principality and power: Colossians 2:9-10
The fulness (pleroma) of the qualities of God flourished in Jesus Christ. He was filled to the brim with God's goodness and as as result we are complete (pleroo related to the word 'pleroma') in him. In Ephesians this same fulness and completeness is described:
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians3:19
Verse 19 a pretty interesting statement.  How are we filled with all the fulness of God? God is spirit and we are filled with is His spirit through Jesus Christ. God is not a distant God, He is relational and this is how He set it up.  Jesus Christ was raised and now sits at the right hand of God. God as a spirit (John 4:24) doesn't have a right hand.  This is an example of a figure of speech that paints a picture to show the authority of Christ. Christ today is alive and active and building the true church. He communicates through the spirit. The spirit is not a person but an essence that does the filling.

What does all this mean? It seems like a really important concept to understand. God is powerful, just and good and desires the best for his kids but he doesn't violate free-will. It is our choice to to recognize, love and trust God and all that he provides. Our ultimate blessing results in power, love and an inherent soundness that rejects fear.
 


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