The Gnostics believed that the angels and the heavenly bodies influenced people’s lives. Paul’s warnings to the Colossians about “new moon” and other religious practices determined by the calendar may be related to this Gnostic teaching, although the Jewish people also watched the calendar.

One thing is certain: such teachings about demons and angels were not a part of true Christian doctrine. If anything, such teachings were satanic.

The fact that this teaching is not after Christ is sufficient to warn us against horoscopes, astral charts, Ouija boards, and other spiritist practices. The whole zodiac system is contrary to the teaching of the Word of God. The Christian who dabbles in mysticism and the occult is only asking for trouble.

Why follow empty philosophy when we have all fullness in Christ? The fundamental test of any religious teaching is, “Where does it put Jesus Christ—His Person and His Work? Does it rob Him of His fullness? Does it deny either His deity or His humanity?

Does it affirm that the believer must have some new experience to supplement this experience with Christ?” If so, that teaching is wrong and dangerous.

Verse for today: “For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:9-10).

Also read: Colossians 2:16-18; Ephesians 3:19; Galatians 4:9-11.

Action assignment: Nothing needs to be added to Christ because He already is the very fullness of God. Ask God to show you if any extras have crept into your belief. Be quick to cut away anything that deters from Christ’s adequacy.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in