How does Colossians 2:9 confirm that Christ is God?
Colossians 2:9 states that in Christ dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, so He was verily God even according to Paul. Paul confirms Christ's deity further by saying He forgave all our trespasses, since only God can forgive sin.
Les explains that Colossians 2:9 follows Paul's warning in verse 8 against being spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit after the tradition of men. In verse 9, Paul writes that in Christ dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Les emphasizes that this means Christ was verily God. Then in verse 13, Paul shows that this same Christ quickened us, made us alive, having forgiven all trespasses. Les asks who alone can forgive sin, and answers only God. So Paul confirms Christ's deity by linking the fullness of the Godhead in Him with His authority to forgive sin.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
More Questions
What does Colossians 2:9 teach about the deity of Christ?
In Colossians 2:9 Paul says that in Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, proving that Jesus was truly God even according to Paul.
What dwells in Christ according to Colossians 2:9?
Les explains that before Colossians 2:9, the text warns, "beware, lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men," and after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. He notes this hits many people in the face because so many hang on to tradition. Then he gives the reason: "for in Him," that is in Christ, "dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead." In the broader context, Les also points to God's purpose to gather together in one all things in Christ, both in heaven and on earth, even in Him.