“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily”
bodily
The word “bodily” means pertaining to being real in contrast to being symbolic. The complete content of deity exists in Jesus Christ in real form. This view was the interpretation of Augustine. “Bodily” then means that deity abides in Christ in reality, not apparently.
It is also possible to interpret “bodily” as meaning in physical form. In the latter case, it would mean that God took on flesh. However, it would be difficult to explain how “all” the fullness of the Godhead can dwell in physical form. God is everywhere present. How can everywhere presence dwell in a local being? If this is the correct meaning, then the idea would be corporeal. Jesus’ deity was permanently manifested in the incarnation (in the flesh).
Another way we can understand “bodily” is that the resurrected and glorified Christ exists as both full deity and true humanity. The word “bodily,” in this case, would mean corporeally. Jesus’ deity is permanently manifested in the incarnation (in the flesh). God manifest in the flesh makes him clear to the consciousness of man. This interpretation does not refer simply to his existence in the past; it refers to his present position in heaven, at the Father’s right hand. Jesus sits in his humanity, but he exists as God almighty.
PRINCIPLE:
Jesus Christ exists eternally as God.
APPLICATION:
Jesus Christ exists eternally as God. He also sits at the right hand of God in his humanity. The God-man exists in undiminished deity and true humanity forever.
Since Jesus Christ exists eternally with the totality of God’s attributes with unbounded powers, we should hold him in high regard as the ultimate answer for life. Jesus Christ became human in the incarnation. He was the person of God clothed with a human body. He became a compassionate High Priest. All things are from him, through him, and for him (Rom. 11:36).
