THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST
Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Paul is praying that the Ephesians will come to know the love of Christ, that they may be filled with the fullness of God. We are to experience God’s love which goes beyond knowledge, beyond what we can learn. This knowing is especially through personal experience. This isn’t a natural experience of love, but it is a godly love. The Holy Spirit assures us of God’s love. Romans 5:5 (KJV) states, “…because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” The Holy Spirit gives excessive evidence in our hearts of God’s love for us and also enables us to live more like Christ. Understanding this love will allow us to experience the fullness of God.
We are also brought to the fullness of God through the knowledge of the Son of God as stated in Ephesians 4:13 (NKJV) “Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” The fullness of Christ is the standard of maturity to which we, the church, should measure ourselves. In Sparkling Gems, Rick Renner states that the word “perfect” in this scripture describes how as a person develops, he or she transitions from being youthful and immature to an individual who is full-grown and mature. He also states that it denotes spiritually mature individuals who are living in accordance with the will of God. God has fulfilled us to live this godly life. Second Peter 1:3 (AMPC) says, “For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).” We don’t have any excuses. We are equipped. In Ephesians 3:19, Paul was praying that they come to the fullness of God. He wanted them to become mature Christians who are continually growing in Christ, constantly thinking and acting more like Christ.
One last scripture: Colossians 2:9-10 (AMPC) says, “For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature]. And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power].” We have everything to live and be complete in Christ through the fullness of God.