'Complete in Christ'? - 'Accepted in the Beloved?'

[Complete]

'As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so walk ye in Him:
Rooted and built up in Him,
and stablished in the faith,
as ye have been taught,
abounding therein with thanksgiving.'
(Col 2:6,7)

'Beware lest any man spoil you
through philosophy and vain deceit,
after the tradition of men,
after the rudiments of the world,
and not after Christ.
(Col 2:8)

'For in Him dwelleth
all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And ye are complete in Him,
which is the head of all principality and power: ... ... '
(Col 2:9,10)

Hello there,
I would like to ask you a question, concerning the truth, in Christ, that we are 'complete' in Him. That we have been 'accepted in the Beloved.' (Ephesians 1:6). Such simple, yet all encompassing statements, borne of faith, to be received by faith.

Just what does this 'completeness' suggest to you?
What do the words, 'accepted in the Beloved' mean to you?

Quite apart from the gratitude and overwhelming awareness of God's love and grace, in Christ, that these words bring to the heart and mind of the believer. What are their implications ? What do they tell us?

I wait on you.
In Christ Jesus
Our risen and glorified,
Saviour, Lord and Head.

Chris (Complete)

 

[Fish Catcher Jim]

'As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so walk ye in Him:
Rooted and built up in Him,
and stablished in the faith,
as ye have been taught,
abounding therein with thanksgiving.'
(Col 2:6,7)

'Beware lest any man spoil you
through philosophy and vain deceit,
after the tradition of men,
after the rudiments of the world,
and not after Christ.
(Col 2:8)

'For in Him dwelleth
all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And ye are complete in Him,
which is the head of all principality and power: ... ... '
(Col 2:9,10)

Hello there,
I would like to ask you a question, concerning the truth, in Christ, that we are 'complete' in Him. That we have been 'accepted in the Beloved.' (Ephesians 1:6). Such simple, yet all encompassing statements, borne of faith, to be received by faith.

Just what does this 'completeness' suggest to you?
What do the words, 'accepted in the Beloved' mean to you?

Quite apart from the gratitude and overwhelming awareness of God's love and grace, in Christ, that these words bring to the heart and mind of the believer. What are their implications ? What do they tell us?

I wait on you.
In Christ Jesus
Our risen and glorified,
Saviour, Lord and Head.

Chris (Complete)

Hello Chris,
To me these two statements mean
Just what does this 'completeness' suggest to you?
What do the words, 'accepted in the Beloved' mean to you?

Completeness - Lacking Nothing - everything we shall ever have need of no matter if it be spiritual - material - physical is already been provided for us. We just need to learn this and learn to walk in His ways doing exactly what He has told us to do or another words - live as His words out lines and directs us to live .

accepted in the Beloved - Adopted into His family - made to be sons - hiers of the throne and every spiritual blessing in heavenly places.

God Bless
Jim

 

[filarks]

I agree with Fish Catcher.
May i suggest reading through the epistles and highlighting & writing the verses down which use the terms " in Him". These verses point to who we are in Christ. Our position in Him.

 

[Cturtle]

I agree with Fish Catcher.
May i suggest reading through the epistles and highlighting & writing the verses down which use the terms " in Him". These verses point to who we are in Christ. Our position in Him.

I have heard this suggestion before and thought it was a great idea then. Thanks for the reminder!
Blessings

 

[filarks]

You'll be surprised at what you will find.

 

[Big Moose]

'As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so walk ye in Him:
Rooted and built up in Him,
and stablished in the faith,
as ye have been taught,
abounding therein with thanksgiving.'
(, )

'Beware lest any man spoil you
through philosophy and vain deceit,
after the tradition of men,
after the rudiments of the world,
and not after Christ.
()

'For in Him dwelleth
all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And ye are complete in Him,
which is the head of all principality and power: ... ... '
(, )

Hello there,
I would like to ask you a question, concerning the truth, in Christ, that we are 'complete' in Him. That we have been 'accepted in the Beloved.' (). Such simple, yet all encompassing statements, borne of faith, to be received by faith.

Just what does this 'completeness' suggest to you?
What do the words, 'accepted in the Beloved' mean to you?

Quite apart from the gratitude and overwhelming awareness of God's love and grace, in Christ, that these words bring to the heart and mind of the believer. What are their implications ? What do they tell us?

I wait on you.
In Christ Jesus
Our risen and glorified,
Saviour, Lord and Head.

Chris (Complete)

Hi Complete Chris,
On "complete", verses 6, 7, and 8 give me the idea that to be complete we need to remain in Christ. Verse 8 especially, for lest any man spoil you, by taking your eyes off Christ. To be complete, we are finished, fully assembled, in working order. We have everything we need to be servants and sons and daughters of the Most High.

Accepted in the Beloved to me is the belonging to the body of Christ. That section of Ephesians speaks of the gifts of grace and blessings the Father has bestowed on us believers.

Both of these acknowledge the overwhelming love bestowed upon us.
Live like you know you are blessed, because you are.

 

[Complete]

Hello Chris,
To me these two statements mean
Just what does this 'completeness' suggest to you?
What do the words, 'accepted in the Beloved' mean to you?

Completeness - Lacking Nothing - everything we shall ever have need of no matter if it be spiritual - material - physical is already been provided for us. We just need to learn this and learn to walk in His ways doing exactly what He has told us to do or another words - live as His words out lines and directs us to live .

accepted in the Beloved - Adopted into His family - made to be sons - hiers of the throne and every spiritual blessing in heavenly places.

God Bless
Jim

' ... Till we all come in the unity of the faith,
and of the knowledge of the Son of God,
unto a perfect man,
unto the measure
of the stature
of the fulness of Christ: '
(Eph.4:13)

Hello Jim,

Thank you for responding.
* What you have said concerning God's acceptance of us in 'The Beloved', is blessedly true: and thrills my heart as I read it.

* I would like to comment on what you say regarding the fact that we are declared to be 'complete' in Him. For, through my eyes, this does not have so much to do with what we ourselves have need of, or will receive, by God's grace: but on the fact that the sacrifice of Christ has fully satisfied God's righteous requirement. So, from that perspective, we are indeed reckoned to be 'complete', 'made meet'. Just as 'justification by faith' secured to us, the righteousness of God, by imputation: so, we are made absolutely complete in regard to all righteousness before God, in Christ; by His 'reckoning' too. This is our standing - in Him. Our state can vary from day to day: our fitness for service, our Christian walk, may be worthy of Him or not; but in Christ, we are, before God, complete in regard to all righteousness.

These words, 'ye are complete in Him', come following a warning against 'philosophy', 'vain deceit', and,' the traditions of men', and 'the rudiments of the world,' and is the blessed spiritual protection against all that these words suggest.

I believe that this completeness is unique to the revelation of the mystery, and the 'One New Man' (Eph. 2:15), revealed here in Colossians, in Ephesians and Philippians: and just as the blessings of this calling are 'all spiritual blessings', and will be enjoyed 'in heavenly places, in Christ', so this 'completeness,' in Christ, is unique in it's fulness. I believe that 'it', along with the other unique features found in these epistles, were 'hid in God', until revealed here (Eph. 3:9), through Paul: therefore not found in the epistles written prior to them. This is a new creation indeed, just as the believer is a new creature in Christ Jesus individually (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal.6:15), so corporately, the One New Man of the revelation of the mystery is a newly created unity of individual believers, taken out from among the nations, which although linked previously were not equal members before (because of Israel's national privileges).

This completeness, under discussion, is a spiritual completeness, just as the one new man is a spiritual unity.

I believe that the prison epistles of Paul are the 'plumb-line' against which the other epistles and their content need to be measured. For only by doing so, will it be seen what is applicable or not applicable to the 'fellowship' or administration of 'The One New Man' - the perfect man, which is being called out during this time (Eph. 4:13) . This would also quiet the disputes about what is required of the believer in Christ during this administration once and for all. It would be clear what has to be left behind as belonging to a previous dispensation, and what retained.

May God weigh my words, and if found wanting, correct me.
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Complete]

Hi Complete Chris,
On "complete", verses 6, 7, and 8 give me the idea that to be complete we need to remain in Christ. Verse 8 especially, for lest any man spoil you, by taking your eyes off Christ. To be complete, we are finished, fully assembled, in working order. We have everything we need to be servants and sons and daughters of the Most High.

Accepted in the Beloved to me is the belonging to the body of Christ. That section of Ephesians speaks of the gifts of grace and blessings the Father has bestowed on us believers.

Both of these acknowledge the overwhelming love bestowed upon us.
Live like you know you are blessed, because you are.

Hi Big Moose,

I don't believe that we can loose the completeness that we have in Christ, for our 'standing' in Christ is sure: but the warnings you speak of relate to the influence that such things as 'philosophy' and 'vain deceit', 'the traditions of men' and 'the rudiments of the world', have upon our walk, and witness and prevent us reaching the final tape and win the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. We, like Paul, are running the race, and seek to walk worthy of the calling we have received, that we too may have the privilege of reigning with Christ. It is the reward for faithful service that can be lost, and not our standing before God, in which we stand- 'complete', and 'accepted in the Beloved', to the glory of God's wondrous grace!

It is interesting to me, that you say the words, 'live like you know you are blessed, because you are.' ( ... for, Big Moose, we are so wonderfully blessed, aren't we? ) This is what I believe 2 Timothy 2:15 is saying, when it says, ' ... Study to shew yourselves approved unto God ... ... ', to me it means that we are to endeavour to shew ourselves to be indeed those who are 'approved unto God', and to live (as you say) as though we are indeed 'complete', 'accepted' and 'made meet'. Not with downcast eyes, or unsteady feet, but with arms raised firmly up to our Heavenly Father: Who has encompassed us in His love and grace; unworthy sinners as we are - 'Praise His Holy Name!'

Thank you so much.
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Complete]

Many thanks to Filarks, and Cturtle, for your responses, and your suggestions.
I think it's called, 'mutual edification.'

Praise God!

 

[Big Moose]

Hi Big Moose,

I don't believe that we can loose the completeness that we have in Christ, for our 'standing' in Christ is sure: but the warnings you speak of relate to the influence that such things as 'philosophy' and 'vain deceit', 'the traditions of men' and 'the rudiments of the world', have upon our walk, and witness and prevent us reaching the final tape and win the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. We, like Paul, are running the race, and seek to walk worthy of the calling we have received, that we too may have the privilege of reigning with Christ. It is the reward for faithful service that can be lost, and not our standing before God, in which we stand- 'complete', and 'accepted in the Beloved', to the glory of God's wondrous grace!

It is interesting to me, that you say the words, 'live like you know you are blessed, because you are.' ( ... for, Big Moose, we are so wonderfully blessed, aren't we? ) This is what I believe 2 Timothy 2:15 is saying, when it says, ' ... Study to shew yourselves approved unto God ... ... ', to me it means that we are to endeavour to shew ourselves to be indeed those who are 'approved unto God', and to live (as you say) as though we are indeed 'complete', 'accepted' and 'made meet'. Not with downcast eyes, or unsteady feet, but with arms raised firmly up to our Heavenly Father: Who has encompassed us in His love and grace; unworthy sinners as we are - 'Praise His Holy Name!'

Thank you so much.
In Christ Jesus
Chris

My understanding of having to remain in Christ to be "complete" is based on the Strongs translation of 'complete'. It gives as an alternate meaning of "to be filled up" or full. Therefore, to me, one can be not full. Just as multiple places in the NT apostles are "filled with the Holy Spirit" and do wondrous things because of it. I know I am not often full of the HS, more like half a tank. I think it is a daily thing to get filled, as in renewing your mind. We wander off on our own, leaning on our own understanding.

What God wants for us many times does not make sense to us. Therefore we fight it, sometimes give in, and then afterward look back and realize what God was doing.

As you say, we are complete in the eyes of God thru the working of Christ. You are right about that. I believe we need to stop condemning ourselves every time we fail, you know, our meager opinion of what failing constitutes. Look ahead for what is coming next, be ready as Christ says, for He could come at any time. Let us strive to make sure that when He comes, He will find some with faith.
Luke 18:8
Shine bright,
John (big moose)

 

[Complete]

Thank you, @Big Moose,
For this further response.

* I was not aware that you had posted until today.

I understand what you are saying, John, yet, I believe that this verse in Colossians, reflects God's own perspective, rather than our own: for He sees us in Christ, Who is Himself, our 'Completeness'; so from that perspective we can never be anything less than full up to the brim and overflowing! can we? Not that we 'feel' it, not that we 'know' it (in our experience) , but because God sees us that way, in His Beloved Son.

All we have to do is believe it, and make it part of our reckoning, as it is His, and then we will begin to know it in our experience more and more, I believe.

'But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus,
Who of God
is made unto us
- wisdom, and
- righteousness, and
- sanctification, and
- redemption:
that, according as it is written,
"He that glorieth,
let him glory in the Lord."'
(1 Cor 1:30,31)

Praise God!

In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Big Moose]

Thank you, @Big Moose,
For this further response.

* I was not aware that you had posted until today.

I understand what you are saying, John, yet, I believe that this verse in Colossians, reflects God's own perspective, rather than our own: for He sees us in Christ, Who is Himself, our 'Completeness'; so from that perspective we can never be anything less than full up to the brim and overflowing! can we? Not that we 'feel' it, not that we 'know' it (in our experience) , but because God sees us that way, in His Beloved Son.

All we have to do is believe it, and make it part of our reckoning, as it is His, and then we will begin to know it in our experience more and more, I believe.

'But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus,
Who of God
is made unto us
- wisdom, and
- righteousness, and
- sanctification, and
- redemption:
that, according as it is written,
"He that glorieth,
let him glory in the Lord."'
(1 Cor 1:30,31)

Praise God!

In Christ Jesus
Chris

Chris, upon contemplating this, I had Luke 6:38 come to mind. How do you think that fits with this completeness?

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

 

[Complete]

Chris, upon contemplating this, I had Luke 6:38 come to mind. How do you think that fits with this completeness?

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

'Judge not, and ye shall not be judged:
condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned:
forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Give, and it shall be given unto you;
- good measure, pressed down, and shaken together,
- and running over, shall men give into your bosom.
For with the same measure that ye mete withal
it shall be measured to you again.'
(Luk 6:37,38)

Hi Big Moose,

Showing the two verses together above shows the application well I think, don't you?
Where our fellow men are concerned, the measure we get, is the measure we give,
but where God is concerned, His measure is not in proportion to our giving to Him, is it?
He is the giver, and we are the receiver every time. How great is His wondrous grace!

In Christ Jesus
Chris