COMPLETE AND/OR FINISHED

From My Perspective - - -

A website that is committed to clean humor states: “No English dictionary has been able to explain the difference between the two words "complete" and "finished" in a way that is easy to understand.” They go on to try and define it in a humorous manner: “Some people say there is no difference between COMPLETE and FINISHED, but there is: (a) When you marry the right one, you are COMPLETE...And (b) when you marry the wrong one, you are FINISHED...And (c) when the right one catches you with the wrong one, you are COMPLETELY FINISHED.” There may be a degree of of validity in their attempt at humor, especially when compared with the submissions in unabridged dictionaries. As an example, the World English Dictionary defines “complete” as: “having every necessary part or element; entire; ended; finished.” The word “finished” is defined as: “ended or completed; perfected in all details.”

How does the secular attempt at defining “complete” and “finished” compare with the spiritual usage of these words? For the word “complete”, there is a personal possibility and application for the individual. It is stated in Colossians 2:9-10 (NKJV), “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” The Message Paraphrase renders this differently, “Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him.  When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.” A.T. Robertson, in his Word Pictures of the New Testament translates Colossians 2:10, rather than using the word “complete”, he states: “You are made full…Christ is our fullness of which we all partake.” Being “made full in Christ” has only one result, namely, one has become “complete in Him.”

The Biblical usage of the word “finished” is usually in reference to the spoken word, or a meal, or a particular task. In John 19:28-30, we find the translation and usage of both “complete” and “finished” in the text: “Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” A.T. Robertson translates the phrase “knowing that all was now completed” as “are now finished” or as complete as anything can possibly be in a given act and circumstance. Robertson then allows that “It is finished” is not a surrender in defeat but “a cry of victory”.

Why is this his conclusion? He submits that Jesus knew the relation of His death to the redemption of His own. It is not dissimilar to the words in Romans 8:29-30, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Even though these terms are translated in the past tense, they need to be understood as being completed actions in the mind of God. The ones who are redeemed are a work in progress. They have realized what it is to be called and justified. They also understand that the work of sanctification and glorification is not fully realized in this life. The redeemed child of God is progressing to that day when all these things will be completed and he/she will realize that this is the fulfillment of what Jesus had in His mind on the cross when He uttered: “It is finished.” Do you have the assurance of being “complete in Him” and the work of His redemption being “finished” in your behalf? Be encouraged by the Chorus to the Hymn “Golden Harps Are Sounding” that expresses: “All his work is ended, joyfully we sing: Jesus hath ascended: Glory to our King!” Great words about a great truth. Let that reality make a significant difference and change in your life. Consider these things with me.