The Reality Is Found in Christ

- The ceremonial laws, holy days, and feasts of the Old Testament are referred to as shadows because they symbolically depicted the coming of Christ. The reality is found in Christ who fulfilled the Law. "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship." (Hebrews 10:1) These observances were being imposed by the false teachers and threatened to draw the people from Christ back into the shadow of the former age. To impose such laws/rules/regulations on others as tests of spiritual maturity is in fact a definite sign of Christian immaturity and error.
- "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) Do not let anyone put the burden of keeping these observances on you. "But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces (principles)? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you." (Galatians 4:9-11) "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17)