“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” – Colossians 2:8
In his epistle to the Colossians, Paul gives a perfect description of religion in contrast to the faith we have been taught.
Religion is based on philosophy and vain deceit (i.e., the wisdom of men).
Faith is based on revelation and Christ (i.e., the wisdom of God).
Religion follows the tradition of men found in history.
Faith follows the word of God found in scripture.
Religion is very much concerned with rudiments of the world and rules to control our flesh (e.g., touch not, taste not – Col 2:20).
Faith is very much concerned with your spirit and soul, walking after the Spirit, nourishment by Christ, and setting your affections on things you don’t see (Col 3:1-3).
According to Colossians 2:11-18, we neither receive nor walk in Christ Jesus the Lord by following Christian religion, circumcision, baptisms, ordinances, or holydays.
Paul describes religion as fleshly, vain, deceptive, dishonorable, and contrary to us in Christ.
Religion subjects Christ to tradition, makes the word of God insufficient, and will destroy your faith by injecting good works done by your flesh.
No wonder Paul says to beware of religion. It will spoil you, rip you up by the roots, and beguile you of your reward!
When tradition, church history, ordinances, sacraments, or religious rules come after your faith, be strong in what Paul wrote to the Colossians:
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” – Colossians 2:6-7
We are complete in Christ (Col 2:9-10).
Thankfully,
Justin “irreligious” Johnson