Colossians 2:16-17

[johnb]

Colossians 2:16-17
16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,
17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.

I can see how someone may take this passage in a futuristic sense because it says "which are a shadow of things to come" keeping in mind this was written after Jesus death and resurrection.

For those of us who don't typically see this in a futuristic sense, what is the best way to interpret "which are a shadow of things to come" ?

[Paidion]

The Hebrew observances concerning food and drink, and festivals, and new moons, and sabbaths, were "shadows" or pictures of things to come (future from the point of view of the Hebrews who were practising them.) The substance is Christ. Since Christ came, his disciples had the real thing, and so the shadows are no longer needed. Those who still observe the shadows should not pass judgment on those who have Christ and don't need them.

[johnb]

2nd question - Should those who have Christ and don't need the 'shadows' still practice them as a way of honoring Christ? For example, I know of some Christians who feel led to have prayer meetings during the 'new moons' (as found in the Old Covenant), not because they observe it in a religious or legalistic way, but just as an additional way to honor Him. I think they see some significance in how God originally set things up in the Old Covenant.

Thoughts anyone?

[jriccitelli]

True, the verse does not say a "shadow of what 'has' come" but; a "shadow of what 'is to' come".
I see this in the; "now we see and know in part" sense (1 Corinthians 13).
We have had the mysteries 'revealed' (1:26), and we now have His power (1:11), and His reconciliation (1:22), but we are yet to see the ultimate fulfillment of all things, like His appearing, the new earth, the elimination of evil, our new bodies, and ultimately the real celebration, festivals, food and drink that 'is to come' when we are with Him in the next life.

The focus of the letter is the completeness of all things in Christ - and that Christ is sufficient to complete all things in us, 'therefore' we can examine the subject of the verse; 'being judged by other people' (2:16).
Since now Christ has been revealed, we understand that simply observing regulations does not purify the heart of fleshly indulgence, only Christ. So if our 'observing regulation' serves 'no purpose or value in the defeat of fleshly indulgence' then it is fruitless (2:23). We keep in mind the keeping of regulations have 'the appearance of wisdom' but may be in vain.
But we do not want to commit the opposite hypocrisy; and work on a Sabbath in order to 'prove' we are free from the Law. And we do not 'prevent' others from 'celebrating a Holiday' because we judge them wrong, etc.

You asked; 'but just as an additional way to honor Him. I think they see some significance in how God originally set things up in the Old Covenant'
Surely the sacrifices and offerings speak of many principles fulfilled in Christ, so as we are be being made into the likeness of Christ it seems only natural we that we may want to worship God, and purify ourselves, in the way Christ would. And this could result in wanting to 'experience' something of the actual Law keeping while keeping in mind these are shadows of their fulfillment in Christ. Much like people want to visit the Holy land to get an experience of the Bible as it was then, yet looking forward to the New Jerusalem.
(Note that I completely enjoyed, and agree with Paidion's response also)