The Colossian Heresy

aul answered the various tenets of the Colossian heresy that threatened the church, This heresy was a "mixed bag," containing elements from several different heresies, some of which contradicted each other (as the chart shows).

The Heresy

Reference

Paul's Answer

Spirit is good; matter is evil.

Col. 1:15-20

God created heaven and earth for his glory.

One must follow ceremonies, rituals, and restrictions in order to be saved or perfected.

2:11, 16-23; 3:11

These were only shadows that ended when Christ came. He is all you need to be saved.

One must deny the body and live in strict asceticism.

2:20-23

Asceticism is no help in conquering evil thoughts and desires; instead, it leads to pride.

Angels must be worshiped.

2:18

Angels are not to be worshiped; Christ alone is worthy of worship.

Christ could not be both human and divine.

1:15-20;
2:2, 3

Christ is God in the flesh; he is the eternal one, head of the body, first in everything, supreme.

One must obtain "secret knowledge" in order to be saved or perfected—and this was not available to. everyone.

2:2, 18

God's secret is Christ, and he has been revealed to all.

One must adhere to human wisdom, tradition, and philosophies.

2:4, 8-10; 3:15-17

By themselves, these can be misleading and shallow because they have human origin; instead, we should remember what Christ taught and follow his words as our ultimate authority.

It is even better to combine aspects of several religions.

2:10

You have everything when you have Christ; he is all-sufficient.

There is nothing wrong with immorality.

3:1-11

Get rid of sin and evil because you have been chosen by God to live a new life as a representative of the Lord Jesus.