Completeness in Christ
Completeness in Christ4
Not "Ought" but "Are"
By Theodore Epp0JHN 1:16ROM 8:321CO 1:302CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 1:3PHP 4:19COL 2:10COL 3:32PE 1:3Theodore Epp emphasizes that believers are already complete in Christ, as stated in Colossians 2:10, and that this completeness is not something to strive for but a reality from the moment of salvation. He warns against teachings that suggest Christians need additional experiences or ordinances to attain fullness in their faith, asserting that all spiritual blessings are already given in Christ. Epp encourages believers to grow in their knowledge of Him while recognizing that they lack nothing essential for life and godliness. The sermon highlights the importance of appropriating what is already possessed in Christ and living by faith.
Ye Are Complete in Him
By A.B. Simpson0JHN 1:16ROM 8:321CO 1:302CO 12:9EPH 3:20PHP 4:19COL 2:10HEB 13:21JAS 1:171PE 5:10A.B. Simpson emphasizes that in Jesus, we find our completeness, akin to an architect's model that is fully realized in heaven. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in transferring the gifts and graces of Christ into our lives, enabling us to embody the life of holy service for which we are called. This process involves receiving grace upon grace, where Christ becomes our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Simpson highlights that this relationship is not just about receiving help but also about enjoying personal companionship with Jesus. He urges us to accept this grace in our trials, leading to our perfection in Him.
In Him You Have Been Made Complete
By William MacDonald0EPH 2:8COL 2:10William MacDonald emphasizes that true fitness for heaven is not based on human merit or degrees of goodness, but solely on being in Christ. He explains that all humans are unfit for heaven due to sin, and no amount of good works can change that. The good news is that through faith in Christ, believers are made complete and accepted by God, as they receive Christ's righteousness. MacDonald asserts that every believer, regardless of their past, has the same standing before God because they are all equally in Christ. Thus, the only crucial factor is whether one has Christ or not, as that determines their eternal destiny.
Fulness There Is in Christ
By Charles Finney0COL 2:9Charles Finney emphasizes that true completeness for Christians is found solely in Christ, contrasting faith in Him with a legalistic approach to religion. He explains that while many misunderstand what it means to be complete in Christ, it signifies that all our needs and desires are fully met in Him. Finney outlines the conditions necessary for realizing this completeness, including recognizing our needs, renouncing self-dependence, and trusting Christ wholly. He warns against the dangers of ignorance and reliance on human means rather than divine grace, urging believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ to experience His fullness.