Complete in Christ

By Hallie Gipson

When we think of being complete in Christ, is that a reassuring thought or something we feel inadequate to ever become? And just what does being “complete in Christ” mean?

Perhaps to understand the concept better we need to define ‘complete’ and look to the scripture to gain a Biblical perspective.  But first let’s take a look at how the dictionary defines ‘complete’. Webster’s dictionary defines “complete” as – entire; whole; perfect.

According to Biblical commentary, “whole” is to give the idea of perfected all over or fully developed in every part.

Hebrews 12:2 says “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”

             We should concentrate on Jesus who is the goal and objective of our faith. Our faith, which has its beginning in Him, is also completed in Him.

In James 1:4 the word ‘complete’ is coupled with the word ‘mature’ – the phrase states “mature and complete, not lacking anything”.

Col. 2:9-10 –”For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ . . . “

             Here Paul is declaring that the Christian is complete in Christ, rather than being deficient. Are you beginning to get the concept? We have been given this gift of ‘fullness’ if we are in Christ!

2 Peter 1:3 says: “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”

Did you hear that!? – EVERYTHING we need – not part or some of what we need but EVERYTHING!

So, if something is complete there is no need to add to it – as Christians we do have “everything we need . . . through our knowledge of Him . . . “

His divine power has given us all the things we need to live life to the full. God has made every provision for our life in Christ and our godliness of life for Him.

Do we live as if we believe that? Do we really believe that we are complete in Christ?

The secret to knowing God’s complete sufficiency is in coming to the end of everything in ourselves and our circumstances. I can tell you truthfully that is exactly where God wants us – at the end of ourselves. Only then can He work His marvelous plan and begin molding us into His likeness.

My question then is this –

Are we so completely His that all areas of our lives are surrendered to Him?

If not, what is it that keeps us from living as if we have “everything we need”?

• Is our faith lacking?
• Do we have fears that keep us in bondage?
• Have we learned to call Jesus “Friend” because we have a deep abiding relationship with Him or is He a like a distant relative we rarely see or talk to?
• Is our prayer life filled with the power of the Holy Spirit or do we feel as if our prayers barely reach the ceiling?
• Do we just muddle through those times of difficulties and trials on our own, or do we draw on Christ’s strength to give us victory despite our circumstances?

How do we become “whole” and “complete” Christians?

We know that there is no “perfection” this side of heaven – but we also know that we are on a journey toward perfection in Christ and that we are admonished in scripture to love as Christ loved us (John 15:12); to have the same attitude as that of Christ (Phil. 2:5); to live by faith (Gal. 2:20); to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17); and to consider it pure joy when we face trials (James 1:2).

Holy Father, may we be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” – that You will allow the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to make us “Complete in Christ”. For if we have Christ, we have ALL of God – we are ‘complete’!  Amen.