Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. — Colossians 2:8 NLT
I have been following the LORD now for over 30 years. In that time, I have seen and met charismatic preachers who have great knowledge of the Bible. These intelligent preachers would often use clever words or “big grammar” to explain and interpret the Bible.
You are left captivated by their knowledge, wisdom, and the oratorical way they present and interpret the Bible. Listening to them, you can’t help but be full of praise to God for gifted preachers and teachers. But at the same time, you leave their ministrations with a feeling of inadequacy in your salvation and walk with God. You begin to think perhaps your salvation is different or maybe incomplete. You feel perhaps you’re less saved, thinking there must be more to do to increase or boost your salvation.
Looking back now, a lot of what I experienced then was pure application and display of human wisdom, eloquence, and high-sounding oratorical nonsense. The Apostle Paul addressing the church in Corinth said, “When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (NLT)
As believers, we should be careful not to add to the finished work of Jesus through made-up doctrines. The false teachers in the Colossian church were basically preaching that Jesus was not enough. They were advocating that the insufficiency in Jesus can be made up in human inventions – see Colossians 2: 16-23.
Sadly, in the church today, some will question your salvation if you don’t speak in tongues, pay tithe, see visions and so on. Many people have been held captive for years, living with condemnation because they’ve been taught that these practices are a must for believers. These practices cannot save anyone, bring us closer to God or free us from sin. Only the gospel can save, which is Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul warned the Colossians not to trade their freedom in Christ for a set of useless man-made legalistic rules, regulations, and self-imposed practices (verses 16-23). These rules and regulations are ineffective and powerless to save. They cannot make us more saved than what Christ had already done.
The more we know and understand the truth as contained in the Word of God, the more we’ll be able to spot erroneous doctrines. The more we spot errors, the more we can challenge or stand against those who promote these erroneous doctrines.
Don’t let anyone make your salvation conditional or predicated upon external, personal practices. There’s nothing we can add to the finished work of Christ. Jesus is more than enough. He is all we need.
It pleases God to find satisfaction in Christ Jesus. We also must find our satisfaction in Jesus Christ alone.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
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