"For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:9-10)

The book of Colossians begins with a stirring exaltation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Creator (1:16) and Sustainer of all things (v. 17). He is the Head of the church, and preeminent in all things (v. 18). He is fully God (v. 19) and yet Redeemer (v. 20). On the other hand, believers, before they were reconciled, are described as "alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works" (v. 21).

It comes as somewhat of a surprise, then, in chapters two and three, to see that we are inexorably linked with Christ. Our lives and destinies are His--our identification with Him is total. We are not just reconciled, we are with Him in all things.

Notice, first, that we are "buried with him in baptism" (2:12). Furthermore, we are "quickened together |i.e., made alive| with him," no longer "dead in |our| sins" (v. 13), and "risen with him" (v. 12). Just as surely as God "raised him from the dead," we are born again; given new life.

Obviously, since we are "risen with Christ, |we should| seek those things which are above" (3:1). Our priorities should be His godly priorities (v. 2), for "Christ sitteth on the right hand of God" (v. 1), and we are there.

Next, we are told that our "life is hid with Christ in God" (v. 3). To be hidden in Christ is to be totally immersed, covered, our sins concealed, our identity masked within His; indeed, remade into His. God accepts Christ and us, as well, as we are hidden in Him. The next verse amplifies this identification with the term "Christ . . . our life" (v. 4).

This identification will not be in vain, for when He "shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (v. 4). As our text teaches, we are "complete in him," for He is fully God, and we are with Him in all things. JDM