“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).
There are some who consider Jesus to be a notable person in human history but nothing more. But that is not the description of Christ given to us here in Colossians 2:9. One translation of this verse conveys the richness and depth of this passage in identifying Jesus for who He really is: “…in (Christ) there is continuously and permanently at home all the fullness of absolute deity in bodily fashion” (Wuest).
Colossians 2:9 also serves to refute the assertions of those who believe that Jesus was simply one person in a long line of others who attained a higher transcendental state or so-called “christ consciousness.” One source dedicated to the advancement of eastern spirituality defines this vague (but unbiblical) concept…
“Christ Consciousness is a term which can be interpreted in a number of ways. Many people use it to describe a state of consciousness where a person has found Self-realization and, as such, has realized their unity with God, or Christ. It may also be used by some as a synonym for the yogic and Hindu concept of reaching samadhi, or deep spiritual bliss…
It is said that finding Christ Consciousness is open to anyone, of any religion on any spiritual path. For those who follow this path, it is associated with being open to love and truth, practicing devotion as a means to seek enlightenment and bliss. It means recognizing one’s birthright as a child of God, just as Christ was said to be. The reason Jesus is seen as an example to all who follow this path is because he embodies the wholeness of every individual. It is said that this Christ ‘pattern’ is in every being on Earth…”
To its credit, this source also adds an important disclaimer…
“Christ Consciousness is considered a controversial term to some because it combines Christian language and ideas with Eastern religions and/or mysticism. For some Christians, this is incongruous and a misuse of the name of Christ… Some Christians disagree with this concept, seeing it as simply an excuse for self-worship.” (1)
While that clarification is admirable, it represents an understatement of monumental proportions in light of what we read here in Colossians 2:9. One Biblical commentator offers a far more accurate assessment of the Person and nature of Christ based on this passage…
“The Greek word theotetos for Godhead is used only here in the NT and designates the totality of God’s nature and person. All the fullness of the Godhead “dwells” or ‘permanently resides’ in the body of Jesus, the God-man.” (2)
(1) Yogapedia, Definition – What does Christ Consciousness mean? Retrieved 05 August 2019 from https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5806/christ-consciousness
(2) Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson’s new illustrated Bible commentary (p. 1564). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.