Colossians 2:8-9 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. 9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Philosophy is the attempt to reason a knowledge of God and his ways without studying his revelations, precepts, or teachings in their proper context. One just reads a verse and thinks up an interpretation without comparing Scripture with Scripture. However, God’s ways and thoughts are past the ability of man to fathom without his revelations and instructions.
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
To privately interpret a verse is to interpret it apart from its context and apply whatever meaning is assumed to fit; this is philosophy. To properly understand a portion of Scripture, context must be maintained, not only that of the passage but the chapter, book, and the entire Bible. If any portion of Scripture fails to fit within or contradicts another portion of the Bible or teaching, then it is wrong somewhere.
Colossians 2:10-12 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Verses 10–12 constitute a complete sentence; all must be kept in the context of the sentence. The context of the passage is our salvation.
Colossians 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Our salvation is complete in Him. There is no need or requirement to add anything to it: once saved, always saved. Many try and bring us back under the bondage of the law, teaching that we must keep the law to maintain our salvation or simply be water baptized to obtain salvation. This is tantamount to salvation by works.
Galatians 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Our liberty in Christ is the security of our salvation. It is complete in Christ Jesus.
Back To: Verse Insights
One Response
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.