20 If with Christ (A)you died to the (B)elemental spirits of the world, (C)why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 (D)“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 ((E)referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to (F)human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in (G)promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are (H)of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

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The New Life in the Messiah

20 If you have died with the Messiah[a] to the basic principles of the world,[b] why are you submitting to its decrees as though you still lived in the world? 21 “Don’t handle this! Don’t taste or touch that!” 22 All of these things will be destroyed as they are used, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23 These things have the appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion, humility, and harsh treatment of the body, but they have no value against self-indulgence.

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 2:20 Or Christ
  2. Colossians 2:20 Or the elemental spirits of the universe