In Colossians 2:9 the Bible declares that all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Jesus. I was told this means that God the Father and the Holy Spirit are in Jesus and no longer individual beings. Is this true?


The scripture that you quoted is true: the interpretation is suspect. Let's review that scripture:

"For in Him (Jesus) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:9 NKJ).

To say that God the Father and God the Holy Spirit are no longer individuals denies countless New Testament scriptures. Let's review some scriptures to clarify this point.

"Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the Church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.... Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you" (1 Thess. 1:1, 3:11).

We can see from these scriptures that the Bible recognizes God the Father and Jesus as separate individuals. God our Father and the Lord Jesus are two separate beings. It's also important to note that Jesus is said to be seated at the right hand of the Father (Eph. 1:20).

There are a myriad of other scriptures that let us know that the Holy Spirit is still operating as an individual. Let's take a look at some of them:

"Then the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go near and overtake this chariot'" (Acts 8:29 NKJ).

"Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Cor. 3:16 NKJ).

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Rom. 8:14 NKJ).

I believe these scriptures help us to see that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, although one, still exist as individuals and always will. I believe Colossians 2:9 is simply stating that Jesus is as much God as God the Father and the Holy Spirit. He has everything dwelling in Him that they have dwelling in them.

Copyright © Bible Answers Foundation
All rights reserved. Used by permission.