The Made Whole Faith

Colossians 2 is often used to say God's appointed times no longer matter—but is that actually the contrast Paul is making?

Look at the bookends of his argument.
Paul begins by warning against philosophy, empty deceit, and the traditions of MEN (Col. 2:8).

He ends by warning against self-imposed religion and the commandments and doctrines of MEN (Col. 2:20–23).

But right in the middle, Paul mentions food, drink, festivals, new moons, and Sabbaths—things that were not invented by men. They were given by God.

And then Paul continues:
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” - Colossians 3:2

What was taught from above?

The Sabbath, the New Moons, the Feast Days.

Of which He commanded:
"Then you may spend the money on anything you desire: cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to FEAST there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household." - Deuteronomy 14:26
The cultural contrast makes this even more interesting.

Ascetic religious philosophies pursued spiritual wisdom through extreme fasting, strict regulations, and neglect of the body.

“Do not touch. Do not taste. Do not handle.”

Meanwhile, YHWH invited His people to His table.
Eat. Gather. Feast. Rejoice before Him.

And woven into those appointed times was prophetic revelation of His Messiah and the Kingdom to come.

One system pursued hidden wisdom through the self-imposed religion of men.

God invited His people to feast with Him and revealed His plan.

So when Paul says, “Let no one judge you…” maybe we should pay attention to who was doing the judging—and the religious philosophy Paul had been warning about from the beginning.

The question is simple: Who gave it? God or men?
📖 Colossians 2–3