March 7, 2004

THE ALL AND IN ALL

"Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all" (Colossians 3:11, NIV).

In Paul's argument for the oneness of the church, he concludes by declaring that Jesus is, "all, and is in all." This comprehensive portrait of Jesus portrays Him as the universal Saviour and unifier of His church. He is not only "all," but He "is in all."

In Christ all national, social, racial, and cultural barriers are abolished. These artificial differences are valueless in the realm where Christ is all. In Him there can be no discrimination or distinction, since we are "all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:28, NIV). Jesus fills everything in His church in every way (see Ephesians 1:23). His character is in all His people. Therefore, there can be no rivalry among them. Jesus is the common unifying heritage of His people.

This sublime title expresses the surpassing excellence and eminence of Christ. Jesus Christ is all wisdom, all love, all power. He is the Creator, Saviour, reconciler of all, and hope of all. In our adoption and acceptance, Christ is all. In our redemption and restoration, He is all. The all-sufficient Saviour is truly all we need. Jesus is in all His people enabling them to "will and to act according to his good purpose" (Phil. 2:13, NIV).

Ellen G. White's portrait of our all-sufficient Saviour says it eloquently: "Christ is to be all and in all to the believer. There must be none of self, and all of Christ, whose we are by creation and by redemption."--The Publishing Ministry, p. 220.

My Prayer Today: Lord, because Christ is all I need, I reaffirm my faith in Him today. Amen.