The concept of completion is a significant theme throughout the Bible, often symbolized by numbers, events, and divine actions that convey the fulfillment of God's purposes. This symbolism is woven into the fabric of Scripture, reflecting God's sovereignty, order, and the ultimate fulfillment of His divine plan.

Numerical Symbolism

One of the most prominent symbols of completion in the Bible is the number seven. This number frequently appears in contexts that denote completeness or perfection. The creation account in Genesis is a foundational example: "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work" (Genesis 2:2). Here, the completion of creation is marked by the seventh day, a day of rest and sanctification.

The number seven continues to symbolize completion throughout Scripture. In the Book of Revelation, the number appears repeatedly, such as in the seven churches, seven seals, and seven trumpets, each representing the fullness of God's judgment and redemption plan (Revelation 1:4, 5:1, 8:2).

Divine Actions and Fulfillment

Completion is also symbolized through divine actions that fulfill God's promises and covenants. The Exodus narrative is a powerful example, where God delivers the Israelites from Egypt, fulfilling His promise to Abraham. The crossing of the Red Sea and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai signify the completion of Israel's liberation and the establishment of a covenant relationship with God (Exodus 14:29-31, 19:5-6).

In the New Testament, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ epitomize the theme of completion. Jesus' declaration on the cross, "It is finished" (John 19:30), signifies the completion of His redemptive work, fulfilling the prophecies and the requirements of the Law. This act of completion provides the foundation for the new covenant between God and humanity.

Prophetic Fulfillment

Prophetic fulfillment is another dimension of completion in the Bible. The prophets often spoke of events that would bring God's plans to fruition. For instance, the prophecy of the seventy weeks in Daniel 9:24-27 outlines a timeline for the completion of transgression and the ushering in of everlasting righteousness, culminating in the coming of the Anointed One.

The Book of Revelation, with its vivid imagery and prophetic declarations, portrays the ultimate completion of God's plan for creation. The vision of a new heaven and a new earth in Revelation 21:1-4 symbolizes the consummation of history and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, where "the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4).

Covenantal and Eschatological Completion

The theme of completion is also evident in the covenantal and eschatological promises of Scripture. The Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants each have elements of promise and fulfillment, pointing to the ultimate completion in Christ. The New Covenant, established through Jesus' death and resurrection, fulfills the promises of the Old Testament and inaugurates the age of the Spirit, leading to the eschatological hope of Christ's return and the final restoration of all things.

In eschatology, the completion of God's plan is anticipated with the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment. The Apostle Paul speaks of this in 1 Corinthians 15:24-28, where he describes the end when Christ hands over the kingdom to God the Father, having destroyed all dominion, authority, and power, bringing all things to completion under God's reign.

Conclusion

The symbolism of completion in the Bible is a multifaceted theme that underscores God's faithfulness, the fulfillment of His promises, and the ultimate realization of His divine purposes. Through numerical symbolism, divine actions, prophetic fulfillment, and covenantal promises, the Bible reveals a God who brings His creation to its intended completion, offering hope and assurance to believers throughout the ages.