What does Colossians 2:23 mean?

Paul concludes his teaching against false teachers by again noting how deceptive their approach is. As in Colossians 2:8 and in verse 22, what seems true turns out to be false, because it is based on bad assumptions. Following restrictive religious rules makes a person look holy to others. These systems demand high levels of dedication and work. Many world religions include leaders who appear very moral and are quite dedicated. And yet, these are merely human rules based on principles which don't come from Christ Himself.

Paul specifically says these teachings are self-made; they are not actually anything from God. Expectations of the false teachers included ascetic living and harsh treatment of the body. This came through fasting, avoiding certain foods, or other means. This, again, is a major component of Gnosticism, an early heresy plaguing the church. Gnostics relied on mysticism and complex philosophy, as well as insisting that the physical world was entirely evil, so all physical pleasures had to be eliminated.

Paul highlights the futility of these teachings. These attempts at denying the flesh, through human efforts, don't actually stop sinful desires. To some extent, asceticism and self-denial can be just as much a physical addiction as giving in to gluttony or greed! In both cases, a person is acting under the assumption that what they do with their body, in their own power, is what will make them happy.

In contrast, the Bible teaches that believers are given forgiveness of sin only through Christ. Further, even believers continue to struggle with sin (Romans 7:14–20), requiring the power of God's Spirit to overcome temptation.