For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him (John 3:34).
Some Christians have said only Jesus had the fullness of God’s Spirit, and that the rest of us only have a measure of the Spirit. But in the light of God’s Word, that’s not true.
First, the Bible says of His fullness, referring to Jesus, have we all received, grace heaped upon grace (John 1:16). Moreover, the Holy Spirit, as a person and in His fullness, lives in you, if you’re born again.
Now, the confusion of those who propagate the notion that only Jesus had the Spirit without measure stem from the King James rendering of John 3:34. It says, “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.” The underlined words, “unto him,” are actually in parenthesis, meaning that they don’t exist in the original Greek text; they were introduced by the translators, and it’s misleading, because it makes you think that verse is talking about Jesus, whereas it’s not.
The correct rendering is, “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure.” You were sent, just as Jesus was sent of the Father: “Then said Jesus…as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:21-22). You have the “whole” Holy Ghost in you, in His fullness.
Ephesians 3:17-19 talks about you being filled with all the fullness of God. The same is said of Jesus in Colossians 1:19: “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.” If you thought that was something to shout about, read Colossians 2:10; it says, “And ye are complete in him….” In whom are you complete? The preceding verse 9 tells us who: “For in him (Christ Jesus) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Blessed be God!
You’re complete in the One in whom all fullness— the fullness of the Deity, the Godhead—dwells; you’re perfected in Him. Meaning that you’re replete with God. You’re the walking, living, tabernacle of God. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Blessed and gracious Father, how great thou art! Thank you for the Holy Spirit who lives in me in His fullness, and the eternal glory He’s brought into my life. I live to love you, to honour you, and to do your will, every day of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:John 1:16 (AMPC); 1 John 4:17; Ephesians 1:22-23
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:1-17 & 1 Chronicles 3-4
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:1 Corinthians 14:20-30 & Proverbs 26