Fullness and Abundance

Jesus Christ is the Missing Piece

In my pursuit of greater understanding of abiding in Christ, I have been exploring what the fullness of Christ looks like. It is easy to pass over this word with a common understanding. I have. How many times have we read over a passage and suddenly, at some point in our growth process, we begin a deeper study because we know there is more? Such is the case with this word fullness. Why is it important? Because it is an abiding word…it is a growing understanding of abiding in Him. Curious?

Fullness Definition

Is there a void in your life in Christ right now? You know…is there something missing, and emptiness? We all experience these moments. We feel anything but full. There is a simple but profound answer.

What does the Word say about fullness (pleroma…4138..[play’-ro-mah]? The Greek word means “completion; the missing piece that fills up…” What is missing in us that only He can fill? Are we lacking abundance? Do things seem to be outside the realm of His blessing? What is missing is MORE of Him.

• Fullness is superabundance through
  • John 1:16…”For of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace (NKJV).”
  • “For out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift] (AMP).
• Fullness is completeness in Him
  • Colossians 1:19…For it pleased the Father that IN Christ should ALL fullness dwell (NKJV).
• Fullness is the completeness of Him
  • Colossians 2:9…For IN Him dwells all the FULLNESS OF THE GODHEAD BODILY (NKJV).

Fullness is the objective of the Father. When we receive Christ and understand there is an unexplored Kingdom before us, we have everything and more we will ever need to begin. IN Christ is our abiding connection, releasing the fullness of who He wants to be for us. It is what permits us to live a life of abundance IN Christ. What if we can live in abundance and fullness? Is this possible?

Abundance and Fullness Come From the Same Source

Abundance and fullness are related. Although their individual meanings are different, their concept is woven together as shown in Ephesians 3:19, 20:

• “To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be FILLED with ALL the FULLNESS of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen.”

Fullness comes before abundance. Too often we are asking for an increase of abundance from the Lord when His fullness is the answer. Remember, He is able to do all of this “according to the power that works in us.” It makes sense that abundance follows the fullness of His presence and power operating within us. THAT is why abiding IN Christ is paramount.

The only two times the Greek word “abundantly” is used in the NT are John 10:10 and Ephesians 3:20. Both scriptures point to Jesus. He gives us life more abundantly. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask. Christ is the missing piece that brings both fullness and abundance.

What does the fullness of Christ look like…

• if only one drop of His blood was enough for humanity?
• if only one touch of the hem of His garment was enough for healing?
• if only one command, “Let there be…” could bring a creation to life?

If only “one” of these were enough, what does His fullness look like? Are you intrigued? The invitation is simple: “Abide in Me, and I will abide in you…” Then if you continue, “If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you. (John 15: 4,7).”

Remember, familiarity with Christ is not abiding IN Christ. A higher invitation is always available to explore and possess the fullness of Christ. Whatever situation you are encountering, Jesus Christ is the missing piece. His abiding invitation is simple: More of you means more of Him…a divine exchange. Continuing this abiding relationship IN Him ensures fullness and abundance. A deeper depth of abiding in Him is the missing piece.