A note from the desk of our Pastor:

“Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,// (Touch not; taste not; handle not; // Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?”

Colossians 2:20-22

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

This week, in our study of Colossians, we are going to change pace a bit and consider three verses. These three verses form one thought. This is not unusual, but in this case, the 21st verse provides little benefit to the bible student on its own. Therefore, this week we will consider Colossians 2:20-22.

The foundation of the argument the Apostle Paul makes in this text is the idea of being dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world. Core to understanding the argument is the meaning of being dead with Christ. This is a common metaphor of the Apostle, most demonstrated by the act of baptism. The believer is buried with Christ when they are submerged under the water. The believer is raised in a newness of life when they come forth from the water. Baptism provides an outward sign that they are setting aside old things to follow after the things of Christ.

The act of baptism, however, is also a figurative expression of the completed work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried, and rose again. His death on the cross marked the end of the Old Testament ceremonial law service. His resurrection confirmed the implementation of the New Testament requirements of love and service. This work was completed on behalf of the child of God, and therefore, makes them dead in Christ to the rudiments of the Old Testament.

The Apostle describes the requirements of the law as the rudiments of this world. Although many of them began with the commandments of God the ordinances had been altered by men. These religious requirements placed a burden on the people. The burdens created a religious power structure that allowed for the oppression of the people. Under the New Testament, the believer is directly connected to God. Any religious process meant to break that connection is a false teaching.

The Apostle structures this thought as a rhetorical question. The question essentially is, if Christ took away all of these oppressive requirements why are you still following them? The answer was the power of the false teachers in the Colossian church. Thus, the Apostle continued to instruct these believers to remove false teachers and follow after Christ as the head of the body. As believers today, we should be reminded to question any requirement that places burdens on the people of God. Our connection to God is direct and he is the sole source of truth and authority.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah