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20 If then you be dead with Christ from the elements of this world, why do you yet decree as though living in the world?

21 Touch not, taste not, handle not:

22 Which all are unto destruction by the very use, according to the precepts and doctrines of men.

23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in superstition and humility, and not sparing the body; not in any honour to the filling of the flesh.

Therefore, if you be risen with Christ, seek the things that are above; where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God:

Mind the things that are above, not the things that are upon the earth.

For you are dead; and your life is hid with Christ in God.

20 Since you died with Christ(A) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,(B) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:(C) 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish(D) with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.(E) 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility(F) and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,(G) set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.(H) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.(I) For you died,(J) and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.