“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. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power…Let no man beguile you of your reward…vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:8-10, 18-19
Any person, teaching, icon or ritual that robs or intercepts glory from the Person and work of Jesus Christ is of the arch enemy of God and His creation (mankind). The adversary has come “to steal and to kill and to destroy.” (Jn. 8:44, 47; 10:10; Col. 2; 1 Pet. 5:8). According to 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Satan has his “ministers” and these deceivers are known by whether or not they clearly and fully elevate the divine person of Jesus Christ and His redemptive work and whether they promote or condone any person or teaching that does not clearly elevate Christ as the supreme LORD and the only Savior of depraved sinful mankind (Col. 1-2; Rev. 1:8).
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:12-20
Jesus Christ is the Redeemer, Creator and Sustainer of all that is (Col. 1:15-17). He is the only Salvation and hope of men and is coming soon (Col. 1:14, 20). This is the message of the book of Colossians. Have you recently studied this rich and invaluable book and mined out its precious truths?
Colossians 2:8-10 warns believers to “Beware” of any “philosophy” or “traditions” that would be elevated above Jesus Christ and supremely loving Him who is supreme and pre-eminent above all (Isa. 45:21-23). “Educated” men in leadership who do not profoundly elevate Jesus Christ actually boast of such (their academic accomplishments) when they ought to be ashamed that they have actually rebelled and paid good money to be defiled and misled. It is these men that Paul tells us are “deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Tim. 3:13). A philosophy can be known to be God-honoring or antichrist based on what it ultimately does with the Person and redemption of Jesus Christ. Any religious teaching that does not magnify and glorify Jesus Christ is antichrist and to be exposed as such (Rom. 16:16-18; Col. 2; Jude 3-4).
“(Paul the apostle of Jesus) Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:13-17
The believers at Galatia had allow false teachers who were “accursed” to come in and lead them to count rituals and times and foods (all non-essentials to salvation) to become important and Christ to become demoted (Gal. 1:6-9; 4:9-11).
“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently (clearly) set forth, crucified among you?” Galatians 3:1
In light of the reigning King of all kings, Maker and LORD of the whole universe, we must ask: Who is the puny pope or the romish religion? Who is Mary whom He made? Who is any Jewish Messianic rabbi? Who is Santa Claus? Who is Billy Graham? Who is Buddha or Hari Krishna or Mohammed? Who is Rick Warren or Benny Hinn? Who is Todd Tomasella? What miracle did any of these people ever do? Where are the nail scars in their hands?
“Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthaisn 1:13
All these mere men mentioned here have one thing in common – they are mere sinful men with no hope now or for eternity without the grace of Jesus. Many of these mentioned are icons – “idol shepherds” of Satan himself to draw away and intercept your attention and heart’s affections from the only One who came and redeemed your precious soul (Zech. 11:17; diligenly study Colossians 2).
“(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)” Psalms 49:8
The Great Shepherd came to grant you life – Satan’s goal is to rob you of your inheritance that Jesus Christ came and fully paid for. Will you let him? Whom will you serve?
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” Romans 16:17-20
Who in history other than the very Son of the living God ever foretold his own death, burial and resurrection and then accomplished it? Who shed His sinless blood on your behalf? Who else in history laid down His life, giving His own blood to pay for your sins and bring you into a vital relationship with the Father and purchase Heaven on your behalf? Who? Who? Who?
If Jesus Christ is truly the Supreme being in all the universe, is He not worthy of our exuberant praise and gratitude? Does He merit a moment of verbalized praise and thanksgiving?
“By him (Christ Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews 13:15
Study Colossians closely.
PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, open my eyes to behold the glory of the only begotten of the Father – Jesus Christ the righteous! Teach my heart to discern any religious teaching that does not blatantly elevate Christ as LORD of all and soon coming and sole Head of His true Church (called out ones)! Amen.
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