The Ceremonial and the Real in Religion
Colossians 2:16-17
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:…


Ceremonial in religion —

I. CAN FORM NO JUST BASIS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONDEMNATION. "Let no man judge you." The essence of religion does not consist in the outward form, but the inward spirit.

II. IS TYPICAL OF THE REAL. Rites have their place in the culture of the race, and in their proper sphere are important. They sketch the outlines of truths, and are valuable only as they conduct to the realities they predict and typify.

III. IS ABOLISHED AND RENDERED NUGATORY BY THE REAL. It is a dangerous infatuation to snatch at the shadow when we may embrace the substance. Lessons:

1. Learn to exercise forbearance in externals.

2. Christ alone can satisfy the deepest craving of the soul.

(G. Barlow.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

WEB: Let no one therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day,




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