Catechesis: Human Traditions

Against this look of wisdom and righteousness in human rites, which tricks people, let us strengthen ourselves by God’s Word. Let us know, first of all, that these rites neither merit the forgiveness of sins nor justification before God, nor are they necessary for justification. We have mentioned some testimonies above. Paul is full of them. To the Colossians he clearly says: Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. (Col. 2:16-17)—Ap XV:29, 30.