Note 35 at Col. 2:23: The self denial that Paul was speaking against in these verses is embraced by much of "Christianity" today. Historically, self denial has always been a big part of false religion. Most religions of the world teach an abasement of self but they do it as penitence, in order to obtain salvation. This is not the denying of self that the Bible advocates.

True self denial as the scriptures promote is not self hatred (see note 13 at Gal. 2:20, p. 1063) or masochism but rather an enthroning of Christ above self. We have a new identity in Christ that replaces the "old self" (see note 12 at 1 Cor. 1:28, p. 864). This isn't done in order to obtain salvation but in a love response to what Christ has already done for us. He gave His all for us and we willingly give our all back to Him.

Self denial when done as an attempt to earn salvation is always motivated by guilt and characterized by rigid rules as Paul describes here. True Christianity, on the other hand, is not the observance of rituals, but a relationship that produces holiness as a fruit and not a root of salvation. Holiness doesn't come from the outside and work its way inside, but when we are born again we become righteous, and we work that holiness out into our physical lives (see note 2 at Phil. 2:12, p. 1160).

Trying to destroy the power of self through harsh laws actually arouses and strengthens sin (see note 26 at 1 Cor. 15:56, p. 967). Christians must not let life become a set of rules but rather a response to a loving relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Living Bible paraphrases verses 20-23 as, "Since you died, as it were, with Christ and this has set you free from following the world's ideas of how to be saved - by doing good and obeying various rules - why do you keep right on following them anyway, still bound by such rules as not eating, tasting, or even touching certain foods? Such rules are mere human teachings, for food was made to be eaten and used up. These rules may seem good, for rules of this kind require strong devotion and are humiliating and hard on the body, but they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires. They only make him proud."