“Human tradition” goes with “regulations… human precepts and teachings” (Colossians 2:8, 20-22). Having “all authority,” Jesus alone has the right to establish required traditions. Paul writes, “Stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). But ambitious men set themselves up as authorities on behalf of Christ. They make rules that appear wise and disciplined: “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (Colossians 2:21-23). They “go beyond what is written” in dividing over favorite leaders (1 Corinthians 4:6). Other examples include, “[they] forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods” (1 Timothy 4:3). Why do such rules “depart from the faith”? Christ did not give them, and such rule-makers are rivals, trying to take Christ’s place as Head over the church (Colossians 2:10 cf. 3 John 1:9-10). Traditions have a way of interfering with true worship and displacing the actual teachings of Scripture. As God said,
In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men. (Mark 7:7-8)
The maturity of the New Covenant makes some people nervous. They prefer to be spoon-fed every detail, as the Law once did. Ironically, even the Law of Moses was not exact enough for the Pharisees. They made many more rules to ‘clarify’ what Moses meant, then used those extra rules to burden and condemn innocent people (Matthew 12:1-2; 15:2; 23:4). In the same way, modern Pharisees are not content with the New Covenant’s approach. They read into the New Testament finer details and more rules than Jesus gave. They too use their rigid religion to feel superior and to judge others.