Colossians 2:20–22
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
(Touch not; taste not; handle not;
Which all are to perish with the using;)
after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Paul’s argument is simple.
You died.
If you died with Christ to the world’s elementary system, why are you acting as though you are still under it?
The issue is not food.
The issue is not objects.
The issue is not touching or tasting.
The issue is identity.
Paul says these rules are connected to things that perish with the using. They deal only with temporary externals. They regulate behavior, but they cannot transform the heart.
It is like rearranging furniture in a house that has no foundation. It may look tidy for a moment, but nothing underneath has changed.
The gospel begins deeper.
When Christ died, you were united with Him. The old system of earning, proving, measuring, and managing spirituality was broken at the root. You are not trying to climb toward God. You are already joined to Christ.
So why return to a performance based mindset?
There is always a temptation to reduce spirituality to visible rules. Rules are measurable. They are clear. They give a sense of control. But Paul reminds us they are merely commandments and doctrines of men.
They can restrain behavior.
They cannot produce life.
Real growth comes from holding fast to Christ, the Head, as he just said earlier in the chapter. When the Head directs the body, nourishment flows. Growth happens naturally.
Think of a branch connected to a living vine. It does not strain to appear alive. It simply draws from the source. But if you cut the branch off and tape fruit onto it, it may look productive for a moment, yet it is lifeless.
Paul is asking a loving but firm question.
If you died with Christ, why live like you are still trying to impress a system that no longer has authority over you?
You are not alive to the world’s rulebook religion.
You are alive to Christ.
Live from that.