Colossians 2:22

(all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men?

'ALL' -Note that the phrase "all which things are to perish with the using", is. statement being made on the side. All these regulations are simply the doctrines of men, not God, and by the way--they deal with very unimportant matters.

'ALL WHICH THINGS' -i.e. all the things forbidden by the false teachers.

'ARE TO PERISH WITH THE USING' -'cease to exist when used' (TCNT). That is, food ceases to be food, the moment it is consumed. That is just how temporary it is.

Points to Note:

1. Paul is saying that if such things are so transient and temporary, then the false teachers are making. big mistake of having such "perishable" things as the litmus test of spirituality.

2. Jesus taught the same thing (Matthew 15:17; Mark 7:19), i.e. you're missing the point entirely if you think that eating the right foods will keep you from being defiled.

3. The Gnostics, like some people today, were basing their whole religion and confidence on sheer avoidance. Much more is needed to be right with God than merely "not doing something". Too many people think they are right with God, because of what they haven't done.

'AFTER THE PRECEPTS AND DOCTRINES OF MEN?'

Points to Note:

1. Notice the question mark. This verse is connected with Colossians 2:20. If you are following human rules and traditions in religion, then you are living in the world. And you aren't living with Christ.

2. The precepts under consideration in Colossians 2:21 were human rules, man-made regulations. Paul is probably dealing specifically with rules imposed by Paganism and the Human philosophies which surrounded this region (Colossians 2:8).

3. Jesus and Paul agree, human regulations in religion make our worship vain (Matthew 15:8).

4. Right here, every Christian derives the right to examine any religious belief or practice to seek if it is of Divine or human origin.