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Describe, in your own words, the Colossian heresy that Paul addresses in his letter to the Colossians. What parallels to this heresy do you see in Christianity today? How might we work to solve this?
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The Colossian heresy that Paul addressed in his letter to the Colossians included: First there was too much emphasis on the observance of sacred days and seasons and religious rituals. Second the people of God were believing that they had to deny themselves certain food and drink to secure a higher spiritual state. Third they were hung up on mysticism or spiritism (Col. 2:18) being taught that there are other ways to salvation than through faith in Jesus.
One parallel to this heresy that I see in the body of Christ today as it relates to sacred days we sometime put too much emphases on the holidays of Christmas and Easter rather than the sacredness of the day that the Christ is born and the bases of our salvation that Christ was crucified and He rose on the third day according to scripture.
We solve heresy by the example we have in the Bible. Paul in Colossians taught the truth. Sometimes the best way to combat error is to emphasize the truth.-
I appreciate your succinct response to the questions. Regarding parallels to the heresies present in today’s church, there is an increasing tendency to accept the “all roads lead to heaven” theology that probably derives from Christians dabbling in other religions. Perhaps the real tragedy is that, in a since, all roads do leave to Heaven–after all, the Judgment Seat of God is in Heaven (Matthew 25:31-46); however, it is what happens after judgment that determines who remains in Heaven with Jesus, and who is sent away into eternal punishment.
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Paul confronts the false teachings of Colossians that have elements of Judaism concerning ceremonial laws and other aspects as in food and drink restrictions. He expounded on Christs’ preeminence and how human philosophies and traditions may well confuse the human response wo what God has done through Christ. I see many churches that insist on designing their own religious ceremonies that use idols and other trappings that show their importance in the eyes of man. Simplicity may be the key to keeping the praise of Jesus in the forefront. Working for and in the Church and other places is fine if it is done naturally through faith and not to show off a person’s religious offerings as works are only good if they come by faith.
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People are often judging others based on their “works” as Christians. I believe people want to find a way to measure themselves to see if they are “on the right path”. God only asks us to submit to Him. Through that submission, we find freedom. We can’t work our way to salvation. He has paid the ultimate price to free us from death.
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You’re right. Moreover, the age-old battle between faith and works continues to be fought within the Body of Christ. Striking the balance between legalism and antinomianism is often behind the church’s battles over which orthodoxy should prevail, and we can expect the battle to continue until Jesus comes again. I believe it was G.K. Chesterton who referred to the struggle as orthodoxy’s “wild ride.” So hang on!
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