Live In Freedom

¹⁶ So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths, ¹⁷ which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. ¹⁸ Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.

Colossians 2:16-18

We come to an interesting passage in the study of Colossians this week. Paul gives instruction about how Christians are to live in light of their freedom in Christ. I pray God’s blessing and strengthening upon you as you study the Word of God.

The Apostle’s basic point is this—the Colossian Christians had been saved by grace through the sufficiency of Christ and they were not to allow others to dictate there life in the Savior. Apparently, some within this church were teaching adherence to rules and regulations related to the Jewish law. Paul, himself a Jew, implores the Colossian Believers to not let anyone steal their reward through pride in their works and religious observances.

Christians are justified by faith and faith alone. No amount of works and rule-keeping can save anyone. Therefore, people are to trust in Jesus and Jesus alone for their salvation. Works can never be enough. Jesus is always sufficient and mighty to save.

God’s people are commanded to live holy lives and to represent Christ to the nations. Under the New Covenant, Believers know that works are not the cause of their salvation. Rather, works are the result of the new birth given to every Christian. Good deeds do not save anyone, but, God’s people will pursue a sanctified life to provide evidence of their justification.

What about you? Are you trusting in your goodness and obedience to religious regulations to save you? According to the Bible, those things will never be enough and will leave you lost forever. Believe in Jesus death, burial, and resurrection. Trust in Christ to save you, forgive you, and justify you. He has the power to save you fully, completely, permanently.

Tony French