Fulfilled in Christ
9 For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, 10 and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 11 You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not done with hands, by putting off the body of flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, 12 when you were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:9-12 (CSB)
Without Christ, we are incomplete. In Him, we discover purpose, belonging, identity, and life. The apostle Paul understood that Christ is the only source for the ultimate fulfillment that can fill the emptiness in our lives. As followers of Christ, we should aim to find our fulfillment exclusively in Him. Paul urges us to accept Christ as our Lord, the Circumciser, and our true Identity.
Jesus as Lord. Paul reminded the Colossians that Christ is the “head over every ruler and authority.” Similarly, we understand that Christ is also the head of the church. Mentioning authority highlights that Jesus should be more than just our Savior; He must also be our Lord. As Lord, Jesus holds full authority over our lives. Living faithfully involves embracing both the servant and Master roles. When Jesus is Lord in our lives, we surrender everything and submit completely to His rule.
Jesus as the Circumciser. As our Savior, Jesus circumcises the heart, removing the barriers of separation and hostility between us and God. In the Old Testament, male circumcision symbolized entering into the covenant with the Lord. In the New Testament, physical circumcision was replaced by faith in Jesus as the true entrance. The real circumcision is spiritual, performed by Jesus when He circumcises the heart and marks us as God’s people. Only Jesus offers this spiritual circumcision, which fosters harmony with God and grants eternal life. Paul recognized that in this context, Christ alone is the Savior we need. Therefore, Jesus must be both our Savior and Lord.
Identifying with Jesus. Paul highlighted baptism as a symbol of being united with Christ. When we come into a relationship with Jesus, He becomes our Lord, Savior, and identity. Our purpose and sense of belonging are rooted in Him. We are called to be His children and to represent His Kingdom. The place where we discover our identity is the source of our life's purpose.
QUESTIONS
Why do you believe it is difficult for people to accept Jesus as Lord of their lives?
How would you define baptism as a moment of public identity? How does identifying with Christ challenge us to live different?
