Vs. 20 - If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as,
“If you have died” - This is not a question of doubting their faith in Christ. It would make sense for this to read, “Since you have died...” Or, “If you have died with Christ, and you have...”
“Elementary principles of the world” - The world’s philosophers and deep thinkers believe they the answers. If you just follow their formulae then your life will run smoothly. All (or almost all) of these plans do not consider Jesus Christ in their schemes. I am not using ‘schemes’ in a nefarious sense, but the sense of world viewpoint or paradigm.
I am a fan of science fiction novels. Most of the authors are not believers in Jesus Christ. Most are anti-Christian, or at least anti-religion - viewing the effects of religion as extremely negative and oppressive. One of the series, starting with “The Golden Compass” (Pullman) is extremely antagonistic to God. At one point it is said that if God was eliminated we all would be free and joyful. (BTW: God is shown as a wisened shriveled little man in a coffin being disposed of in the third novel in the series.)
And yet, the view of the future universe for so many authors is bleak. For example, see the movie “Blade Runner”, for a view of the utopia the world without Jesus. This is not extremely different from other visions of the future.
“As if you were living in the world” - Paul wants us to see that we are living in Christ’s presence. I fully realize that my body is living in a fallen world. The difference my allegiance is now to Christ, not to this fallen world. We, as believers, are not of this world - what a paradox. See: Jn. 12:46; Acts 17:24; 2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 3:1,2. We are friends of God, not of this world - 1 John 2:16; James 4:4.
"Why... do you submit" - The essence is - you are in Christ. You don't have to go through all that stuff. So, why are you doing it? This is the FIFth Warning - BOLO - "Do not submit to 'rules'."
“Do not...”- These are petty rules, sometimes dealing with ceremonial uncleanness. By “petty” I am comparing these rules which people will try to earn their way into the presence of God Almighty, to faith in Jesus. These rules will only drag you down. Whether trying to apply Jewish rules and procedures, or pagan religion practices, none of these make sense. None of these extra rules have any efficacious effect on your salvation. We are saved in Christ alone.
Vs. 22 - (which all refer to things destined to perish with use) — in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?“Things destined to perish” - All of the above are man-made commandments. Since the things of this world are not permanent, they cannot have any permanent hold on the Christian life.
- "in accordance with..." Refers to the rules of verse 21. Jesus also highlighted this very problem. See: Mark 7:8.
- Look at the cults, especially Mormon or Jehovah's Witnesses. Consider how logical they sound. Most cults have very strict legal rules that must be followed. They sound good. They make sense. Paul says here that anything man makes up, sounds logical, but does not change the inner man - only Christ does that.
"self-made religion" - Other than Judaism and Christianity all other religions in the world have been created by man’s imagination and creativity. Whether the ancient polytheistic religions with gods and goddesses, or eastern polytheistic religions, or modern cults based on Christianity share some of the same basic system - each person must DO SOMETHING to gain approval.
"self-abasement" - Some religions require a ritual of self-flagellation.
"severe treatment of the body” - Religions which require self-deprivation, disfigurement, and other grotesque bodily mutilation. Look at the cults, or religions such as Mormons, Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah's Witness, etc. Most have very strict legal rules that that must be followed. They sound good. They make sense. Pauls says here that anything man makes up, or sounds logical, but does not change the inner man - only Christ does that.
This was the Sixth Warning - BOLO - "Self-made Religion".
Chapters 1 & 2 present a rather complete view of our dependence upon Christ. The result when we turn from Him is man-made rules and regulations. Christ is the head of the church, and All things. Cling to Him, and Him alone. Clearly the first part of this letter is to disciple believers, to keep the reader's heart and minds on Christ.
End of Chapter 2
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