838. COL 2:10. BELIEVERS COMPLETE IN CHRIST

Col_2:10. Believers Complete in Christ

"And ye are complete in him."’97Col_2:10.

The apostles had to contend with two main difficulties in establishing the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ. With the Jews, they had to contend with the prejudices in favor of the rites and ceremonies of the Mosaic dispensation. And the converted Jews were prone to cling to these, and often desired to mix them with the ordinances of Christianity. Paul’s epistle to the Galatians shows the difficulties of this kind, which obstructed the progress of pure religion.

With the Gentiles, there were prejudices arising out of their various systems of philosophy. Hence, false notions of the Divine character and government were liable to be introduced. Hence, Paul avows his resolution to maintain the gospel in its purity, in opposition to both these. "Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God."’971Co_1:20-24. So also he exhorts the Colossians in this chapter: "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:" 1Co_1:6-10.

Now the truth of the text is this, that the Christian is complete in Christ, irrespective of Moses or of heathen philosophy. Now, in confirmation and illustration of this, observe,

I. In Christ we have a complete system of revealed truth.

Lay aside all the volumes of ancient philosophy, yea, even close the volume of the Old Testament scriptures, though Divine and precious, yet we do not lose one great truth. The Divine existence, character, attributes, and government, are all written in the New Testament as with a sunbeam.’97Man’s state of depravity, guilt, and helplessness.’97His imminent and eternal peril.’97His redemption, as the result of the Divine love. The whole system of mediation, on behalf of our guilty race, is clearly, fully, and explicitly presented to us in Christ Jesus,’97perfectly revealed in his wondrous ministry and life. Here, then, all the great principles of the system of Divine truth are unfolded to us by Jesus Christ.

It will not be thought that we seek to undervalue the writings of Moses and the prophets, much less to dispense with their use; but while they exhibit great and momentous truths, yet they most fully testify of Christ. He is the centre, in which the lines of Old Testament revelation meet and converge. "To him gave all the prophets witness." So that in and by Christ Jesus, we have presented to us a complete system of Divine truth. And now God refers to him as the Great Oracle, and issues the imperative mandate’97"Hear ye him!"

II. In Christ we have a complete system of Christian doctrines.

The former head of our discourse, in some sense, comprehended this. But I wish us to look at the grand leading doctrines of Christianity, and to see how they are all connected with the Lord Jesus.

The justification of the sinner is by faith in Christ. "Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses."’97Act_13:38, Act_13:39.

The regeneration and sanctification of the sinner is by the word and spirit, and through the blood of the Lord Jesus. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."’97Joh_1:11-12, Joh_1:13. "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God."’971Jn_5:1. "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."’971Pe_1:23.

The preservation of the believer by the power of Divine grace to perfect salvation, is complete in Christ; together with the gift of eternal life. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."’97Joh_10:27, Joh_10:28. So also Christ teaches this in his solemn prayer’97"And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled."’97Joh_17:11, Joh_17:12.

The resurrection of the body, and the glorification of body and soul in heaven forever, are the direct work of Jesus, and are complete in him. "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."’97Php_3:20, Php_3:21.

Now, these are the grand distinctive doctrines of the gospel; and we see how fully, with respect to all these, we are complete in Christ.

III. In Christ we are complete, as we have a perfect rule of life.

The laws of the New Testament are perfect. Nothing more can be added to them. It is one holy temple; perfect from the base to the head-store.

Our relationship to God, and the exact duties we owe him, are supreme love’97hearty belief’97and cheerful obedience. Now these

Christ not only fully taught, but completely exemplified. We see in him the most exalted love to his Father, the most entire confidence in him, and the most absolute and cheerful obedience to his will. His law was his delight. It was written on his heart.

Our relationship to the Lord Jesus as Mediator, and the great duties we owe him, of unfeigned love and confidence. Jesus ever insisted on the faith of his disciples, and on their most explicit dependence on him. He ever showed the essential connection between himself and people; and that without his mediation and grace, they could do nothing. Joh_15:5-7.

Our relationship to all believers, and the duties we owe them. Of love, sympathy, communion, help; were taught and exhibited by him. Hear how pathetically he enforces this love, and service, and sympathy, towards one another,’97"So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye say well; for so I am. If I, then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."’97Joh_13:12-17, Joh_13:34, Joh_13:35.

So also he showed the duties we owe to mankind in general. Such as universal equity, goodness, and mercy. It is worthy of note, how Jesus laid the foundation of all his moral teaching, in enforcing rigid equity, and general goodness to mankind. "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."’97Mat_5:17. "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."’97Mat_7:12. "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you. That ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."’97Mat_5:43-45.

Now as in these, so in all the peculiar states of life, the word of Jesus has provided for. As the duties of parents and children, masters and servants, rulers and subjects, &c.

IV. In Christ we are complete, as we. have a complete model of purity for our imitation.

In this, all the great teachers of philosophy were deficient. So also were Moses and the prophets. Here Jesus shines forth in all the glories of perfect holiness. I have left you an example, he says, that ye follow my steps. An example palpable, clear, full, perfect. His life is a perfect copy for our contemplation and imitation. His conversation’97his conduct’97his spirit, were all perfect. No flaw’97no defect’97no admixture of evil.

How we ought to seek, that Christ’s holy life should be transferred to us, that we might exhibit its lovely features.

"Be thou my pattern; make me bear

More of thy gracious image here;

Then God, the Judge, shall own my name,

Amongst the followers of the Lamb."

V. In Christ we have complete blessedness. As spiritual knowledge. A knowledge of the true God, and of eternal life.

Spiritual liberty. From all moral bondage and slavery. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Joh_8:32.

Spiritual peace. That peace which passes all understanding. The peace of God, which Jesus brought from heaven to earth; and which he left, as his best and most gracious legacy to his disciples, when he said,’97"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Joh_14:27. And also unspeakable joy, and a hope of eternal glory.

Peace is the soul’s solace and rest; but Christ gives holy joy’97an elevation of mind’97an ecstasy, kindred to that which the blest have in heaven; for it is said to be not only "unspeakable," but full of glory. And this joy is essentially allied with an inward assured hope of eternal life. This hope is inexpressibly precious; and as such, it is likened to an anchor, by which the vessel safely rides, amidst the bowling tempest, and terrible storm. And it is the helmet, by which the head is both adorned and protected in time of battle.

Now this good and precious hope, is the confident anticipation of the glory that shall be revealed; and is represented as "looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

Now we have all these blessings in relation to this life. Thus is present blessedness complete in Christ. But the future is equally complete in him. We have an everlasting home in his Father’s house, which he has gone to prepare; and to which he will receive his faithful followers. An eternal inheritance, which he will bestow. An unfading crown, which he will place on the victor’s head. And fulness of joy, and pleasures forevermore, at his right hand. Hence, eternity is inscribed on the blessedness to come. We see the charter of the Christian’s blessedness is summed up thus, "All are yours, ye are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s."

Now observe three things, in conclusion,’97

1. This completeness is "in Christ" only. He is the author, and source, and bestower, of all our blessings. God the Father hath given all things into his hands. In him all fulness dwells. He is all and in all. And of his fulness have all we received. Observe the characters addressed.

2. "Ye," are complete. Not all men. Who then? See Joh_14:5 and Joh_14:6. Not unbelievers. Not the mere formalist. No; believers in Christ; and those only.

Yet notice, the gospel, 3. Offers Christ, and this complete salvation, to all men. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."’97Joh_3:16. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."’97Rom_1:16. Therefore, the apostle adds, "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved."’97Rom_10:13.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS