Paul warns the saints against being spoiled (robbed) through the vain deceit and
philosophy of human traditions, which are according
to the "rudiments of the
world" and NOT according to Christ (Colossians 2:8)
The Greek words ("stoicheion kosmos") translated
as "rudiments of the world" are also rendered as "elements of the world" (Galatians 4:3),
which Paul likens to the "bondage" of Israel "under the Law" (Galatians 4:4)
Christ came to redeem Israel "under the Law",
but their refusal (Romans 10:1-4) gave way for the Gentiles to receive the "adoption of sons"
in their stead (Galatians 4:5 cf. Romans 9:30-33)
The blessing of Sonship is to be indwelt by the Spirit
of God with all the full rights of an heir, who is no longer a servant (Galatians 4:6-7) and no longer under the fear of judgment for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:58),
but is now free to make sound judgments motivated by the love of the Father (Romans 8:15 cf. II Timothy 1:7)
Israel will yet one day experience the same deliverance
from the Law into the liberty of full-grown Sonship at the "time appointed of the Father" (Galatians 4:1-2)
when Christ returns to establish His New Covenant with them (Romans 11:25-27 cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34)
Christ received via His resurrection the "headship
over ALL things (principalities and power) with the Church, which is His Body, the fullness of Him that filleth
ALL in ALL" (Ephesians 1:19-23)
The Headship of Christ is unique, because as the Creator
of ALL things (the positions of governmental authority in both heaven and earth), He is "before ALL"
and the Sustainer of ALL governmental authorities and, therefore, He is ALSO the "Head of the Body, the Church",
so that He might have the preeminence over ALL the reconciled positions of governmental authority which will be
filled by a redeemed human creation (Colossians 1:16-20 cf. Hebrews 2:5-10)
The saint is "complete in Christ" (Colossians 2:10)
through the spiritual circumcision "made without hands" (Colossians 2:11) and the spiritual baptism which is performed by the "operation
of God" (Colossians 2:12) having "been quickened (made alive) and forgiven ALL trespasses"
(Colossians 2:13)
The saint has been co-quickened, co-raised, co-ascended,
and co-seated "together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:5-6)