Colossians 2:20 – “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules?”

Extended Explanation

Paul is challenging the Colossian believers to think about their identity in Christ. He reminds them that when they put their faith in Jesus, they spiritually died with Him-meaning they were freed from the world’s religious rules and empty traditions.

• “Since you died with Christ” – This refers to a spiritual reality. When a person believes in Jesus, they become united with Him in His death. Just as Christ died to sin and the world’s systems, believers no longer belong to the old way of life.
• “To the elemental spiritual forces of this world” – This phrase refers to basic worldly principles that people use to try to reach God-such as religious rituals, legalism, or mystical experiences. Paul is saying that believers have been set free from these things because they now belong to Christ.
• “Why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules?” – Paul is frustrated that some Christians were still living as if they needed to follow man-made religious rules. They were already free in Christ, yet they were acting like they were still bound by these systems.

Paul’s main point is this: If you belong to Jesus, you don’t need to live under the world’s religious systems anymore. Christ has already set you free!

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter around 60-62 AD while in prison in Rome. The Colossians were facing false teachings that combined Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mystical spirituality. Some people were telling them that in order to be truly spiritual, they had to follow strict religious rules about food, drink, and religious festivals.

This was a serious issue in the early church. Many Jewish Christians had grown up under the Law of Moses, which included dietary laws, Sabbath rules, and religious rituals. Some of them believed that Gentile Christians needed to follow these laws too in order to be fully accepted by God.

Paul strongly rejected this idea. He taught that Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17), and that believers were made right with God through faith, not by following religious rules (Ephesians 2:8-9).

By saying that Christians had “died with Christ”, Paul was emphasizing that they no longer needed to follow the world’s religious traditions. They were now alive in Christ and free from the burdens of legalism.

Theological Implications

1. Believers Are Dead to the World’s Religious Systems – The world teaches that people must earn their way to God through rituals, rules, or good works. But in Christ, believers are already accepted by God, so they don’t need to follow man-made religious systems.

2. Christians Are Free from Legalism – Many people try to add extra rules to Christianity, saying things like, “You must do this,” or “You can’t do that” to be truly saved. But Paul teaches that salvation is not about following religious laws-it is about faith in Jesus.

3. Spiritual Growth Comes from Christ, Not Human Rules – Some people think that avoiding certain foods, following religious traditions, or practicing extreme self-denial will make them more spiritual. But true spiritual growth only comes from being connected to Jesus.

4. Living in Freedom Requires Faith – Even though believers are free in Christ, it is easy to fall back into old habits of religious performance. Paul challenges believers to live according to the truth-not based on human rules, but based on faith in Jesus.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is direct and challenging.

• “Since you died with Christ” – He reminds them of their spiritual death to the old way of life.
• “Elemental spiritual forces of this world” – This refers to the basic human ideas about religion-rules, rituals, and traditions that claim to bring someone closer to God.
• “Why… do you submit to its rules?” – Paul’s tone is almost frustrated. He is essentially saying, “Why are you acting like you are still under the world’s religious system when Christ has already freed you?”

Paul often uses the contrast of death and life in his writings. Here, he reminds believers that they have died with Christ, meaning they are no longer part of the old system of rules-they now live in the freedom of faith.

Biblical Cross-References

1. Romans 6:6-7 – “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.”
   • Believers are no longer slaves to sin or religious rules-they are free in Christ.
2. Galatians 2:19-20 – “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
   • If we have been crucified with Christ, we don’t live for the world’s rules anymore.
3. Galatians 5:1 – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
   • Legalism is slavery. Jesus has set believers free-so they should not go back to the old system.
4. Colossians 3:3 – “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”
   • Paul continues this theme of dying with Christ in the next chapter.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

• Don’t Let Legalism Control Your Faith – Some churches and religious groups add extra rules to Christianity, making people feel like they have to follow certain rituals, restrictions, or traditions to be accepted by God. But Paul teaches that Jesus has already set believers free.
• Live as Someone Who is Free in Christ – If you have died with Christ, you don’t have to live under religious pressure. Instead, live in faith and obedience to Jesus, not in fear of breaking human traditions.
• Spiritual Growth Comes from Christ, Not Religious Rules – Many people think avoiding certain foods, wearing certain clothes, or following special traditions makes them more holy. But true holiness comes from being transformed by Jesus, not from following a list of rules.
• Don’t Fall for False Teachings – Be careful of any teaching that says, “You need to do more to be accepted by God.” If you are in Christ, you are already fully accepted.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He sets His people free from religious burdens. Instead of making people follow endless rules, He offers salvation through faith in Jesus alone.

God’s love is also shown in how He gives believers a new identity. They don’t have to live under fear or religious pressure-they are His children, accepted because of Jesus.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus Died to Set Us Free
   • John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
   • True freedom comes only through Jesus.
2. Jesus is the Only Way to God
   • John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
   • Following rules won’t bring you to God-only Jesus can.
3. Jesus Calls Us to Live by Faith, Not Rules
   • Romans 1:17 – “The righteous will live by faith.”
   • Christianity is about faith in Christ, not about following human traditions.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What are some religious rules or traditions that people still try to follow today?
2. How does knowing that you “died with Christ” change the way you think about faith?
3. Are there areas in your life where you still feel trapped by religious expectations?
4. What does it mean to live in the freedom of Christ instead of following human rules?
5. How can you help others understand that Jesus is enough-and that they don’t need to add extra rules to their faith?

Paul’s message is clear: If you are in Christ, you are free. Don’t go back to the old way-live in the reality of Jesus!