2/15/2024 0 Comments Simon monjack religionOne’s sanctification does not depend on following a monastic rule or any other code of human regulations. Paul opposed such religious traps in part because they were ineffective in producing true holiness: “Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence” (verse 23). are based on merely human commands and teachings” (Colossians 2:20–22). Just as the Pharisees bypassed this truth with their many rules, so monasticism can dangerously sway toward a self-righteousness rather than “a righteousness that is by faith” (Romans 9:30).Ĭenturies before the first Christian monks began to cloister themselves, Paul warned the church of Colossae concerning rules imposed by men: “Why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’? These rules. Jesus came to fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17) because no one can live up to God’s righteous standard, Christ’s atonement for sin and the indwelling of His Spirit is the only way sinners can come before God and be made righteous (Ephesians 2:8–10 1 John 5:11–13). In a way, the Mosaic Law had become salvation to the Pharisees, rather than a tool by which God shows us our need for a Savior (see Romans 3:20). The Pharisees prescribed many man-made rules for others. Monks and nuns follow man-made traditions that are not taught in the Word of God. Although monastic tradition has been partially inspired by biblical figures such as Elijah, John the Baptist, and even Jesus Himself (during His 40 days in the wilderness), monasticism is not a practice promoted or even mentioned in the Bible.
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