Colossians, Class 17

Welcome to class 17 in our ongoing study of Colossians.
Paul commences this new passage with the word 'therefore,' signifying that the forthcoming thoughts are a direct consequence of his previous statements. In earlier verses, Paul elucidated that our connection with God is established through Christ, not physical rituals like circumcision. The salvation we attain through Christ is not just partial but complete and total. It not only absolves us of the penalty of sin and restores our relationship with God but also triumphs over the forces of evil that assail us (Colossians 2:13-15), providing profound reassurance and security in our faith.
In verse 16, those prior thoughts refute a claim made by false teachers. These deceivers told Colossian Christians to follow specific rituals, rules, and regulations to be saved. In the next verse, Paul will call these concepts "a shadow of the things to come" or something much less important than Christ Himself. In contrast, Paul writes, "Let no one pass judgment on you," about four specific areas.
First, Paul notes dietary restrictions. The Mosaic law included many dietary aspects, such as not eating pork, an unclean food for Jews.
Second, Paul mentions holidays and feast days. Jewish laws included many specific celebrations, such as Passover and the Day of Atonement, referred to as "festivals."
Third, a "new moon" refers to the new moon celebrations in the Mosaic law (Numbers 29:6).
Fourth, Paul mentions the Sabbath day. In Judaism, Saturday, the seventh day, was a holy day from sunset Friday till sunset Saturday, during which no work could be done (Exodus 20:8-11).
In this verse, Paul clearly states that these rules are not requirements for saved believers. The passage immediately before this verse explained that Christ removed all sin and penalty through His sacrifice. As a result, there are no possible works we can do or need to do to be made righteous with God. This is an idea Paul gave additional detail to in Romans chapter 14.