Monday showers of blessings come from Colossians 2:16-17 "Therefore let no one judge you in regard to food and drink or in regard to [the observance of] a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath Day. Such things are only a shadow of what is to come and they have only symbolic value; but the substance [the reality of what is foreshadowed] belongs to CHRIST."
Paul starts with "therefore" meaning that the upcoming thoughts are a result of his previous statements in verses 13-15 where Paul explained CHRIST as the foundation of our relationship with GOD, not physical rituals such as circumcision, food or observation of days. We have a complete and total salvation through CHRIST. This salvation through CHRIST does not only remove the penalty of sin and restore our relationship to GOD, but it also defeats the forces of evil which come against us. This is the bases of Paul's argument to refute a claim made by false teachers. These deceivers were telling Colossian Christians that they must follow specific rituals, rules, and regulations in order to be saved. In verse 17, Paul calls these concepts "a shadow of the things to come," or something much less important than CHRIST HIMSELF. In contrast, he says, "let no one pass judgment on you," with regard:
-to dietary restrictions. The Mosaic law included many dietary aspects, such as not eating pork, an unclean food for Jews.
-to holidays and feast days. Jewish laws included many specific celebrations such as Passover and the Day of Atonement, which were referred to as festivals.
-to the new moon celebrations in the Mosaic law
-to the Sabbath day starting from sunset Friday till sunset Saturday, during which no work could be done.
Paul reveals clearly that these kinds of rules are not requirements for anyone to be saved. Prior 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, in order to be made righteous with GOD. Amen.
Blessings and Shalom
Rev and Family
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