“These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
- Colossians 2:17
The early churches had to face many different issues. Some areas of the Roman Empire experienced greater difficulties than others, but hardship seemed to be the lot of the church. However, not all difficulty came from outside the church, rather there was much of it that arose from within, and does not appear to be one we have ever resolved.
Pride and arrogance have been persistent problems within the church. In particular religious pride and pious arrogance have arisen in various forms. They sometimes appear good and fine, Paul even mentions in verse 23, “These have indeed an appearance of wisdom…” but points out that they wind up just being another self-made religion, a harsh and negative copy of Christ, and carry no real power to transform. Let’s look at a couple of versions pointed out in the chapter that appears to persist in a modern version today. And remember, all these are but shadows of what is real and true and living and ruling!
Traditional Legalism:
At a couple of points in this chapter, Paul alludes to those who try to add some rules to how to live by faith. “According to human tradition” in verse 8, the demands of the Law in verse 14, questions about food and drink in verse 16, the strict keeping of the sabbath in verse 16, asceticism in verse 18, and other regulations in verses 20-22.
In their day, Christians who grew up Jewish would have only known life under the Law and all its regulations. We see in other parts of the New Testament conflicts over whether Gentiles should keep the Law or not. What is acceptable to eat? What is appropriate and inappropriate? Those who grew up in more Gentile regions would have only known keeping the Law and how it makes them distinct from the rest. Now they hear that Christians need to stand out and be different, so it makes sense that they keep the Law, right?
But the Law is but a shadow of Christ. It reveals our wrongs, as drawing near to Christ also reveals our sins. However, the Law could never change our hearts, where drawing near to Christ allows for full life transformation!
Today there are people who have grown up in the church and grew up with a corresponding worldview, rules, and traditions. It’s not uncommon to think the way one grew up is the only way to follow Christ. Or whichever tradition one has come to is the only way to follow Christ. I believe this is theological arrogance. To prioritize Tradition over Christ. To choose Doctrinal adherence over the Son of God. To become a gatekeeper rather than a peacemaker. This can happen in all theological camps (Catholic, Orthodox, Reformed, Arminian, and so on) but from my observation is more common among conservative Christians and cultural Christians. Again, not that they are far off, but we should never settle for a substitute for Christ.
Spiritually Fluid:
You could probably call them liberal or open-minded or spiritually attuned… but even these people can be yet a shadow. Paul alludes to people who are captive to “elemental spirits of the world” in verse 8, those who potentially see no problem with pagan festivals/celebrations in verse 16, those who worship angels, seek visions, or try to have captivating thoughts in verse 18.
Let’s assume these are earnest believers and followers, the same way we would the first group. These are not people who are full-blown universalists or new ageism practitioners. The spiritually fluid may live a bit on the wild side, but can also be very spiritual and may emphasize grace. These may be the Gentiles who have come to faith in Jesus Christ and just aren’t sure what that means for them.
Today, this group may look like Pentecostalism, or if you come from a Reformed background this may seem like Arminianism to you. They emphasize living in the Spirit, but sometimes have a hard time discerning what that means or looks like. Do well at avoiding legalism, but some Pentecostals also saw if you don’t speak in tongues that you don’t have the Holy Spirit. There are a lot of things that can fit into this other group, hence I left it at fluid.
Like their traditionalist cousins, the spiritually fluid are but a shadow of the full truth of Christ. They have multiple extra points, even if they don’t say that. Sometimes, their extra points may go a step too far and slip away from the truth. We must remember to return to the substance!
The Solution:
Though Paul doesn’t go into detail about the groups he is talking about, He does focus on the solution to both groups, he exhorts them to center on Christ! While both groups are shadows of Christ, when we focus on the shadow, we lose sight of who it is cast from! That is why every Christian, from all traditions, and whatever else affiliation needs to become Christ-centered. That is why in every letter Paul writes he routinely talks about the Gospel and what Christ did for us! Christ is the substance, the head of the church, the one who saved us! In Him, we don’t need extra rules or special knowledge, but just to have faith in the truth and knowledge that He died and rose again, covering the debt of our sins and wrapping us up in Him!
Final Blessing:
So be wary of what you read and what you watch! Do they ask more of you than Christ does? Do they set the bar higher than Christ does? Do they go beyond faith? Is there more to their gospel than the Gospel? Reflect regularly on what it means to put and keep Christ at the center of your life. Every day we must choose to be Christ-centered!
Now may the Lord of Life and Redemption be with you in every step, every breath, and every heartbeat of your journey!
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