Colossians 2:20. "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances," THOSE "RUDIMENTS." There are fundamental principles in the body that are controlled by the Head, Each true believer in that body is willing by the Lord to be led. We have experienced His love and His grace, and follow His guidance by faith. When these principles are applied, they work, and the parts of the body are safe.
The world system too has its "rudiments," those basic principles it does use. The beliefs of the ungodly proliferate; almost anyone can pick or choose. "Do your own thing," is one of them; "There are all kinds of ways to heaven." "Each one has a right to believe what he wants;" that is a permeating leaven.
"Don't let anyone tell you, there is only one way to God." That is a "rudiment" - a basic principle; "One Way" seems to them very odd. They claim it is arrogant to say you know now, you have eternal life. And they don't want to accept the Bible as the way God reveals His light.
"Your truth is yours, and my truth is different;" the world system has no standard. "You only believe that because when you were young, it was of you demanded." "Rudiments" are composed of shifting opinions to accommodate to the masses. Dogmatic opinions are stated as truth only until that particular fad passes.
"You must be christened in order for God to know your name, that is what I believe." Some people cannot accept an omniscient God who they must personally receive. "I take the bread and wine, that my sins can all be forgiven." They will not accept the truth that Jesus is the only way to heaven.
A child of God is not subject to the world to build on the principles of men. The standard of righteousness finds its basis, not in some words men penned - And even our laws found their original source in laws God on the mountain gave. Those "rudiments of the world", are unable anyone's soul to save.
"Holy God, Thy Word and Thy testimonies I know are right without a shadow of a doubt. Preserve me and those I seek to teach from laying astray by any unscriptural opinions. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."