What does it mean to experience the fullness of God?

Experiencing the fullness of God is a profound and transformative concept that resonates deeply within the heart of Christian theology. It is a theme that encompasses the totality of God's presence, power, and purpose in the life of a believer. To understand this, we must explore the biblical foundation, the theological implications, and the practical outworking of what it means to be filled with the fullness of God.

The Apostle Paul provides a foundational scripture for this concept in his letter to the Ephesians. In Ephesians 3:16-19, Paul prays for the believers, saying:

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Here, Paul is expressing a desire for the believers to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit, to have Christ dwell in their hearts through faith, and to be rooted and established in love. The culmination of this prayer is that they may be filled "to the measure of all the fullness of God." This phrase encapsulates the idea of experiencing the complete and comprehensive presence of God in every aspect of one's life.

Theological Implications

Theologically, experiencing the fullness of God involves an intimate relationship with the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is not merely an intellectual understanding but a dynamic and living experience. This fullness is characterized by several key elements:

1. Union with Christ: Central to the Christian faith is the believer's union with Christ. This union is the basis for experiencing the fullness of God. Paul often uses the phrase "in Christ" to describe this intimate relationship. In Colossians 2:9-10, he writes, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority." This union means that believers share in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and through Him, they have access to the fullness of God.

2. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in mediating the presence of God within the believer. Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17, saying, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." The Spirit's indwelling presence empowers, guides, and transforms the believer, making it possible to experience God's fullness.

3. Transformation into Christlikeness: Experiencing the fullness of God is intrinsically linked to the process of sanctification, where believers are progressively transformed into the image of Christ. This transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit, as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." As believers grow in holiness and Christlikeness, they experience more of God's fullness in their lives.

4. Participation in God's Mission: The fullness of God is also experienced through participation in His redemptive mission in the world. Jesus commissioned His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20), and this mission is empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). As believers engage in God's work, they experience His presence and power in new and profound ways.

Practical Outworking

Experiencing the fullness of God is not a one-time event but a continuous journey that involves several practical steps:

1. Prayer and Communion with God: Prayer is a vital means of experiencing God's fullness. Through prayer, believers commune with God, express their dependence on Him, and receive His grace and strength. The practice of regular, heartfelt prayer fosters a deeper awareness of God's presence.

2. Immersion in Scripture: The Bible is God's revealed word and a primary means through which He communicates with His people. Regular reading, meditation, and study of Scripture help believers to know God more intimately and align their lives with His will. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

3. Worship and Praise: Worship is a response to God's greatness and a means of experiencing His presence. Whether through corporate worship in a church setting or personal times of praise, worship lifts the believer's focus to God and opens their heart to His fullness. Jesus said in John 4:24, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."

4. Community and Fellowship: The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Fellowship with other believers provides encouragement, accountability, and a tangible expression of God's love. The early church exemplified this in Acts 2:42-47, where they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, experiencing God's presence and power together.

5. Obedience and Surrender: Experiencing the fullness of God requires a life of obedience and surrender to His will. Jesus said in John 14:23, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." Surrendering one's life to God's purposes allows His fullness to be manifested in and through the believer.

6. Service and Love: Serving others and demonstrating Christ's love in practical ways is a powerful expression of God's fullness. Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40). As believers serve and love others, they reflect God's character and experience His presence in their actions.

Experiential Testimonies

Throughout church history, numerous testimonies of saints and theologians illustrate the experience of God's fullness. For instance, St. Augustine in his "Confessions" describes his profound encounter with God, saying, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." His testimony reflects the deep satisfaction and completeness found in experiencing God's fullness.

Similarly, the writings of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, emphasize the experience of God's sanctifying grace. Wesley's concept of "Christian perfection" or "entire sanctification" points to a life filled with God's love and holiness, where believers experience His fullness in their daily walk.

Conclusion

Experiencing the fullness of God is a multifaceted and deeply enriching aspect of the Christian faith. It involves an intimate relationship with the Triune God, facilitated by the indwelling Holy Spirit, and characterized by union with Christ, transformation into His likeness, and participation in His mission. Practically, it is nurtured through prayer, Scripture, worship, fellowship, obedience, and service.

As believers pursue this fullness, they encounter the boundless love, grace, and power of God, leading to a life that reflects His glory and purposes. Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:16-19 serves as a timeless reminder and aspiration for all Christians—to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God, experiencing His presence in every dimension of life.