The scripture teaches in Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been is what will be, what has been done is what
will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun” (CJB). In other words, life is a cycle! Even non-believers often say “History repeats
itself”. It is amazing that our old
patriarchs understood life and how it works.
I reflect back to the assembly of
Colossae where Emissary Shaul (Apostle Paul) addressed various doctrines and
groups that were persuading believers to stop following the living Torah
(Yahushua). Why am I reflecting on this;
because it reminds me of our current religious system?
This assembly had Humanism, Asceticism and
Gnosticism; just as we do today. We have
a mixture of replacement doctrines that put emphasis on self-fulfillment and attainment
(prosperity gospel), worship of objects and images (crosses, angels, books,
banners and buildings), spiritual enlightenment and experiences (worshipping
the Ruach Hakodesh-Holy Spirit, Pentecostal experiences).
All these things are replacement doctrines and
practices that take away from keeping the Torah and following Yahushua
the Messiah; this is what Emissary Shaul (Apostle Paul) wanted the Colossians
to understand.
Now let’s look at these:
Humanism ---aren’t we today
accepting more and more individual thoughts, lifestyles and practices in place
of living up to YHVH standards according to Torah?
Asceticism ---don’t we have many groups who feel if
you fast, speak in tongues, don’t do this or don’t do that then you are SAVED?
Gnosticism ---don’t we have doctrines and groups
that promote spiritual enlightenment and experiences (described by the words of
deep, depth, secret place, higher realm etc...)?
Again--All these things are replacement doctrines
and practices that take away from keeping the Torah and
following Yahushua the Messiah.
Colossians 2:23--- “They
do indeed have the outward appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed
religious observances, false humility and asceticism; but they have no value at
all in restraining people from indulging their old nature” CJB
Notice the last part of vs 23---- “but they have no
value at all in restraining people from indulging their old nature”. It is only in HIM (accepting and living) and by HIM (who HE is and what HE has done) can the old nature die.
I leave you with this: You can practice your Faith in religion; or
You can live your Faith in HIM--the choice is yours!
Selah'