Yes, 'fullness' signifies the Church as the complement of Christ, completing Him as His Body.
Les Feldick teaches that the Greek word for 'fullness' also means 'complement.' Just as Eve completed Adam, the Church completes Christ. Scripture states the Father was pleased that all fullness dwell in Christ, and the Church is His Body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:23 — This verse directly links the Church as Christ's Body to His fullness, defining the term in the context of Jesus.
In Colossians 1:19, the Father was pleased that all fullness should dwell in the Son, referring to the completeness of deity in Christ. In Ephesians 1:23, the Church is described as Christ's body, 'the fullness of him that filleth all in all,' indicating that the Church is the complement or completion of Christ. The concept is also illustrated in Genesis 2, where Eve was given to Adam as a helpmeet, making him complete. The New Testament uses this same word, 'fullness,' to describe the Church's relationship to Christ as His Body.
Les Feldick teaches that the Greek word for 'fullness' (pleroma) has the nuance of 'complement,' meaning that which completes. He explains that just as Eve was created to complete Adam, the Church is the complement of Christ, and He does not consider Himself complete until the Body is with Him in glory. This is a unique relationship Paul emphasizes: the Church is Christ's Body, and He is the Head. Les draws parallels to the marriage relationship in Ephesians 5, seeing it as a picture of Christ and the Church. He stresses that this concept is absent from Peter's writings, highlighting Paul's unique revelation.
Les Feldick points out that the Greek word translated 'fullness' can also be translated 'complement.' This is seen in Ephesians 1:23 and Colossians 1:19. He explains that a complement is that which makes something complete. For example, Adam was not complete until Eve was brought to him. Similarly, Christ, the Head, is not considered complete without His Body, the Church.
The Bible states that the Church is Christ's body, and He is the Head. In Ephesians 1:22-23, it says God gave Christ to be the head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. This indicates a close, completing relationship. Les emphasizes this is a Pauline revelation, not found in the preaching of Peter or the twelve, showing a distinct mystery of the Body of Christ.
Les Feldick uses the Genesis account of Adam and Eve to illustrate the concept. Adam was alone and incomplete until God created Eve as his complement. This original creation shows that a complement is necessary for completeness. Likewise, the Church is the complement of Christ, and He awaits the day when He will have His Body with Him, making Him complete.
Colossians 1:13-15 Context
Les connects the fullness of Christ with His work of redemption and His divine nature as the image of the invisible God, setting the stage for understanding His fullness.
Fullness as Complement
Les explicitly teaches that 'fullness' means 'complement,' and Christ will consider Himself complete when the Church is with Him, referencing Adam's need for Eve.
Church as Body and Fullness
Les explains that the Church is the fullness of Christ, being His complement, and connects this to the marriage relationship in Ephesians 5.
Christ's Love for His Body
Les emphasizes that Christ does not consider Himself complete until His blood-bought Church is in His presence, showing the significance of the Church as His complement.
Fullness in Eternal Context
Les reiterates that the Church is Christ's body, the fullness/complement of Him who fills all in all, and connects this to Christ's authority over all things.
Complement Defined from Genesis
Les explains that the word 'fullness' could be translated 'complement' and illustrates with Genesis 2 that Eve was Adam's complement, paralleling the Church to Christ.
Completion from Eve to Church
Les states that 'fullness' is that which makes complete, and as Adam was not complete without Eve, Christ is not complete without the Church, His complement.
Christ's Deity in Creation
Les points out that the Word became flesh in John 1:14, identifying Jesus as God the Son, which is foundational to understanding His fullness.
Colossians 1:19: For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
This verse shows that the Father was pleased for all fullness to dwell in Christ, establishing His divine completeness.
Ephesians 1:22-23: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
This directly describes the Church as Christ's body and His fullness, indicating the Church completes Him.
Genesis 2:18: And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Shows that Adam was incomplete without Eve, illustrating the concept of a complement that completes.
In Colossians 1:19, it refers to the complete deity of Christ. In Ephesians 1:23, it refers to the Church as His Body, which is the complement or completion of Christ. Les Feldick emphasizes that Christ does not consider Himself complete without His Body, the Church.
He explains the Greek word can be translated 'complement,' meaning that which makes complete. He draws from Genesis when Eve was created to complete Adam, and applies it to Christ and the Church.
Just as Eve was Adam's complement, the Church is Christ's complement. Les teaches that Christ will not consider Himself complete until the Church is in His presence, referencing Ephesians 1:23 and the marriage picture in Ephesians 5.
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