YE ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST

Colossians 2:9-12 For in Him (Jesus Christ) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power: in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (Gen. 1:1). In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the Light of men. And the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not (John 1:1-5). This Word, this Light, was confirmed by John the baptizer, as Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 1:15-18). These verses tell us that from the beginning of time Jesus was with God, was God, and, along with the Holy Spirit of God, made up the fullness of the Godhead. It was Jesus that was made flesh, and dwelt among us. It was Jesus that was full of grace and truth. It was Jesus that dwelt among us in the flesh as a mortal being (See John 1:14). It was Jesus, in His bodily form that brought us the fullness of the Godhead. And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace (John 1:16).

Having heard the message that came from the Word of God, having believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and having put on Jesus by the act of baptism, Paul told those at Colosse, that, as members of the body of Christ, ye are complete in Him. Instead of placing their faith in the philosophy and ...the traditions of men (Vs. 8), the Christians at Colosse placed their trust in, and sought eternal salvation in their Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ, which is the head of all principality and power. Everything that is necessary, for men and women to work out their salvation and spend eternity in heaven, can be found in Christ. In Him we are reconciled to God through baptism for the remission of our sins, and in Him we find the wisdom to guide us in obedience to His will while here on earth. Therefore, in Him we have the fullness, the completeness, and the hope of eternal salvation.

To the Ephesians, as well as all Christians thereafter, Paul likewise confirms the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ. He told them, and tells us, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all (Eph. 1:21-23). Those that find the sufficiency of Jesus, also find the pathway to heaven; the keys to His kingdom; the hope of eternal life. Those that find Jesus need look no further - Ye are complete in Christ.

The physical act of circumcision of male children was a Jewish rite, required under Mosaic Law, that served as a sign of their covenant relationship with God. It was regarded as a symbol of purity - to cut off and renounce all sin, followed by a willingness to live a holy life, and faithfully serve God. However, physical circumcision had no spiritual value as long as the heart (mind) remained uncircumcised. God declared that the true value of circumcision could only be achieved if the children of Israel recognized, confessed, and sought forgiveness for their trespasses and iniquity (See Lev. 26:40-42). When the Law of Moses was fulfilled by the coming of Christ, the physical act of circumcision was declared unnecessary. It was a burdensome yoke upon the neck of the disciples, a yoke that even the Jews, themselves, were not able to bear (See Acts 15:6-29, with emphasis on verse 10).

The circumcision made without hands; ...the circumcision of Christ, is accomplished when one is buried (immersed) with Him in baptism. It is only after obedience to this spiritual act, that God adds one to His church, the body of Christ, sets one apart from the world, and atones for all past transgressions. Baptism puts one in contact with the blood of Christ, through which all people, both Jew and Gentile, are reconciled to God and have the complete forgiveness of their sins. Baptism into Christ made the physical act of circumcision, by the hands of men, totally unnecessary. To those that are searching for eternal salvation, look no further than Jesus Christ. In Him is the fullness of God's plan of salvation. Ye are complete in Christ!