Peace, Ephesian style

September 21st 2005
“…that you may be filled up to all the fullness of
God.” Ephesians 3:19

What does it mean to be filled up with all of God’s fullness? The words for “filled” and “fullness” are connected. “May be filled” is in the aorist subjunctive passive tense. This tells us that
“may be filled” is a one-time event in the past, about which there is some doubt. The word for filled here is pleroo which means “to be fully supplied, to abound”.

Okay, what about “the fullness of God”? There are apparently two possible meanings. The first comes from Eph. 1:22-23 which describes the Church as “the fullness of Him”. The other possibility is “the plentitude of divine perfections”.

God is full, lacking in nothing. What would it mean to be filled up w/all His fullness? What does it mean, if I am filled up w/all His fullness? Paul seems to indicate that it is possible to be filled. I believe that when one accepts Christ’s divine sacrifice and chooses to follow Him, that in
their human spirit, they receive all the fullness of God. This is described by the phrases “in Christ”, “with Him”, or some variant of those. But, is that all? Is it just some spiritual wonder-moment that I cannot attain or access?

I also believe (continuing in personal opinion/interpretation) that His fullness is available in both soul and body. Sanctification is the continuing process of becoming like Christ in my mind, my choices, and honoring God w/my emotions. Thus my soul can, at times, be filled w/His fullness. Ephesians 5:18 calls on us to be filled w/the Spirit (Who is God). This has the implication of being under His influence (think drunk on God).

What of the body? The body is His temple (1 Cor. 6:19). When the Temple of Solomon was built, the Glory of God filled the Temple (1 Kgs. 8:10-11). I have recently read of Eastern saints who experienced “transfiguration” such that they glowed in a fashion like Moses and Christ did. Now, to my Western mind, this is simply fantasy and silliness. Obviously that is not scientifically possible. But, when was God, the Infinite One, bound by science? What if our fallen body could experience a moment of what will happen in the Age to come? To be glorified, if even for a few moments? And what else can that mean but to bask in His Light and Presence?