They are alive and well – Humanism, Asceticism and Gnosticism

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'