Crumbs for the Lord's Little Ones: Volume 2 (1854), Meditation on Colossians 2:10. (2:10)
“Ye are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power.”
SIT down, my soul, and consider this sweet Scripture, in dependence on the Holy Ghost; and although in thy present finite condition it is impossible to grasp the full measure of blessing contained in it, nevertheless, it may be, that through the kindness of thy dear Lord, thou mayest obtain for thy thirsty soul a drink of that “river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God.”
First of all, mark well that the Scriptures nowhere direct thee to expect perfection in thyself, but IN ANOTHER, even in Jesus, who is raised from the dead, and exalted far above all heavens, angels, and authorities, and powers, being made subject unto Him; and therefore, the apostle in the preceding chapter informs us, that the great aim of his ministry was to “present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (ch. 1:28).
Secondly, notice that it is in Christ risen, in whom is all fullness, that the grace of God hath given thee this glorious completeness. He was made flesh that He might be thy Sin-bearer, reconcile thee to God, and be perfectly obedient for thee, even unto death; but having finished the work and overcome all thine enemies through death, He was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, and highly exalted far above every name. The true Corn of Wheat which fell into the ground and died is now no longer alone. It hath brought forth much fruit (John 12:24). This fruit is His redeemed, as the prophet foretold, “He shall see of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied; “and now, O my soul, thou art married” to Him, who is raised from the dead, that thou shouldest bring forth fruit unto God (Rom. 7:4). Hence, thou art further instructed by the apostle, that though by nature thou wart dead in sins, yet by grace, through faith, thou art “raised up together, and made sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6). Thus, while the Scriptures speak of thy body being dead because of sin, and of being in this world of wickedness and sorrow, still, blessed be God, it also reveals thy standing in Him who is Me Head of all principality and power.
Thirdly, consider, this great and glorious blessedness is thy present standing in God’s account, ― “Ye are complete in Him.” It is a record of what thy Covenant God hath done for thee, through the death and resurrection of His dear Son, without any creature help whatever. Hath thy Surety died unto sin? then hast thou died with Him. Hath God accepted and exalted Him as thy substitute? then hath God also accepted and exalted thee in Him. And, therefore, for thy consolation and that of all the redeemed, thy dear Lord says “because I live, ye shall live also.” Even “now,” saith the Holy Ghost, there is “no condemnation,” for “Christ hath died, yea, rather is risen again.” Even “now are we the sons of God.” How rich and great is the mercy of thy Saviour-God!
Fourthly, think in what thy blessedness consists; for it is plain that all the perfections of the Mediator of the new and everlasting covenant are thine. “Ye are complete in Him.” Thou hast, therefore, among other and unfathomable realities, ETERNAL LIFE, “hid with Christ in God;” for “he that believeth in Him hath everlasting life.” EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS is also thine; “for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Rom. 10:4). ETERNAL GLORY is thy happy portion also; for “the glory which Thou gavest Me, I have given them,” said Jesus (John 17:22).
Lastly, see to it that thou dolt fully embrace this volume of divine grace for thine own personal comfort; for it is very clear that the apostle, upon hearing from Epaphras of the “faith in Christ. Jesus, and love to all saints” of those dear ones at Colosse, was able thus to write to them; for these two cardinal points of real unfeigned Christianity were the plainest proofs that Christ was in them, and, therefore, that they were is Christ. Therefore, my soul, thou art assured, that to all who have “faith in Christ Jesus, and love to all saints,” the Spirit of God says, “YE are complete in Him.” Refrain then, O my soul, from looking at thy feelings so much for comfort, for thou dolt painfully prove that the flesh is flesh still―it “lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh” ―and when thou wouldest do good, evil is present with thee! Surely it is only the subtle pride of thy heart that makes thee so anxiously search thyself for something good, and which, oftentimes, either puffs thee up with self-righteousness, or casts thee down almost to despair! O my soul, hear day by day, what the blessed Comforter hath recorded for thy consolation― “YE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM;” also, that “ALL things are yours, for YE ARE CHRIST’S, AND CHRIST IS GOD’S!” Never forget that these truths are unalterably fixed and settled―they are a foundation that never can be moved, on which thou mayest rest in perfect peace and undisturbed security; and, though the stormy winds of adversity, temptation or bereavement beat against thee, thy hopes and consolations will be unmoved, for they are in Christ Jesus―grounded and settled upon the eternal Rock of Ages. Oh the mercy of being called from darkness to light! of being made a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed! a possessor of eternal life and righteousness through faith! Grace! Grace! Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift! Worthy is the Lamb that was slain! Salvation to our God and unto the Lamb forever and ever! Amen and Amen.