In verse 18 we find that Christ "is the head of the body, THE CHURCH." To get what Colossians 2:14 means based on its source text, scroll down or follow these links for the original scriptural meaning , biblical context and relative popularity. Therefore, NO LAWS of ANY kind were nailed to the stake — spiritual, legal, ceremonial, sacrificial or any other. The “blotting out the handwriting of ordinances” simply means (as in Acts 3: 19) that the sins committed, the human works of the mind and flesh resulting in disobedience to Yahweh’s law have been blotted out. It came later to refer to any acknowledgment of debt. Notice Acts 3:19, "that your SINS may be BLOTTED OUT." Therefore, since they were yet looking forward to their resurrection from sin death (for that is the death they died with Christ in baptism, Rom. Paul was writing this to combat the idea and straighten the Church members out. But what are these "matters"? We see the same customs today: don't dance, don't drink, etc., in today's "Christianity"! As we have seen, it does not say "the Ten Commandments." Did Jesus blot out the Ten Commandments? Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances - By the hand-writing of ordinances the apostle most evidently means the ceremonial law: this was against them, for they were bound to fulfill it; and it was contrary to them, as condemning them for their neglect and transgression of it. Blotting out the handwriting - The word rendered handwriting means something written by the hand, a manuscript; and here, probably, the writings of the Mosaic law, or the law appointing many ordinances or observances in religion. They did not like to see the Christians freely eating meat good for food, or drinking wine moderately, or doing anything in respect or relation to the keeping of the weekly Sabbath and the annual festivals. They were no longer bound to their past sins. Perhaps what the person quoted from you was accurate, but he left out most of what you said, thereby changing the meaning entirely. In Colossians 2:16, Paul is thought by many to have abolished the days God made holy. The answer is in verse 13. But it is the responsibility of the Church — the body of Christ — to determine these matters! The problem here is that Simmons argues that this freed all Israel from the obligation to the “memorandum of debt” i.e the handwriting of ordinances at the time of Jesus’ death. They were given to the Church in order to keep the Church in the knowledge of that plan. The world then was a GENTILE world. What does it mean? In some cases, there was a danger of some of the brethren lapsing into their former adherence to this ascetic philosophy. It does not mean a code of laws. "Let no man therefore judge you...." Does this say "God has abolished these holy days"? He recognizes that for the indebted man, the memorandum of debt i.e. 5:7-8), and then contradict himself by telling the Colossians not to observe them? Beware of Philosophy   Now consider Colossians 2:8: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit..." The scripture does not say the Law of God. This verse has troubled many. Sins Blotted Out Colossians 2:14 says Christ blotted out the "handwriting of ordinances that was against us." They were heathen prior to conversion. Now that they had learned the Gospel, they were keeping holy the days God made holy. If it abolishes one, it abolishes the other. Continuing: "After the rudiments [fundamental beliefs] of the world, and not after Christ." In fact, the very criticism the Colossians were receiving in relationship to the observance of these days proves they WERE keeping them. In this case it refers to the laws of men as previously shown. How does Paul use this expression in Colossians? Has God's Law been done away? The Greek term, “logidzesthe” means to count, reckon, infer, conclude, or presume as in word or thought. That is, He took our sins on Himself! Here is proof from the Bible making PLAIN these often misunderstood verses! Why? They had really been forgiven. To judge is not to abolish. “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out … They had been following the foul, heathenish practices of the world about them. Many believe the same. Some reason that the law was fulfilled completely at the cross. Some reason that the law was fulfilled completely at the cross. Here is proof from the Bible making PLAIN these often misunderstood verses! Did Jesus blot out the Ten Commandments? Yet Jesus said that each year we are to celebrate it again: "THIS DO in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). Many believe the same. Col 2:14-17 "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a … Paul tells us this in verses 20 to 23 of this same chapter! It does not appear in the original. And Paul is warning them not to return to or be influenced by their old pagan ways the ways of those who hated God's Law and His festivals. This could not refer to the Law of God. Paul used this very word in Colossians 2:8, "Beware lest any man spoil you through PHILOSOPHY and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments [or basic concepts] of the world and not after Christ." What was blotted out were trespasses (verse 13, last pact) incurred through following sinful ways and ideas of the world — and letting human nature take its course. Gentile Colossians Were Ascetic   The early Catholic writers used this same expression in their day to mean "asceticism." all Israel, as Paul said, “all sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and “there is none righteous” no not one since by the deeds of the law no flesh would be justified. "The law is holy and the commandment holy, and just, and good" (Romans 7:12). The Greek word for "handwriting" originally referred to "a note of hand, or writing in which one acknowledges that money has either been deposited with him or lent to him by another, to be returned at an appointed time" (from Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament). Sins Blotted Out   Let's now see how the context of Colossians proves how this "handwriting of ordinances" refers to the record of our sins. Unfortunately, this is what has happened with this scripture.The full statement reads: “And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14). Hide thy face from my SINS, and BLOT our all mine INIQUITIES" (Psalm 51:1, 9). They were ascetic human traditions Paul was striking out against, not God's laws. For this reason, the ceremonial law was considered to be a law which was “against” them. Is not the debt of the law a requirement of righteousness? People sin by obeying the traditions and customs of men which causes them to break the commandments of God (Matthew 15:1-3; Mark 7:7-9). The Law was not a curse. In Deuteronomy 31, God told Moses to write the words of the Law in a book which was to serve as a witness against the people. Do the weekly Sabbaths foreshadow good things to come? Did these Scriptural days foreshadow things to come? 2:4; 31:3; Neh. But how was it originally incurred? Paul elsewhere reveals we are to be circumcised "in the heart." Weekly Sabbaths Are Not Annual Sabbaths   Some claim that Colossians 2:16 refers "to annual feasts, new moons and annual sabbaths" — not to the weekly Sabbaths. Now things were different. But does that do away with the weekly Sabbath? "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. "And you," Paul continues, "being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh" these people were, prior to conversion, uncircumcised Gentiles — "hath he [the Father] quickened together with Him [Christ], having forgiven you all trespasses" (verse 13). Whenever the expression "sabbath days" is used with "holydays" and "new moons," the weekly Sabbaths are always meant! Many wonder about the meaning of Colossians 2:14-17. The Church is to teach how to observe the festivals — to explain the meaning of self-control, etc. blotting out the handwriting of ordinances to the post (His cross). Colossians 2:14 The true Church of God is the body of Christ just as the Spirit of God once dwelled in the earthly body of Jesus Christ so now the Holy Spirit dwells in each member of the Church and together the members constitute one body, doing the very work Christ did. Indeed! He is not referring to God's Law. (Verse 20.) Sinful Pagan Customs   "Wherefore if ye" — the Gentile converts — "be dead with Christ from the rudiments [fundamental principles or ideas] of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances?" In conclusion, we have shown on the “blotting out the handwriting of ordinances” is not the fulfillment of the law. The “handwriting of ordinances… By making possible the forgiveness of sin, Christ defeated the purpose of Satan. Yet many make Paul just that inconsistent! See also Col. 2:19. God's Law is not contrary to us. This is very important. Adam Clarke Commentary. The answer is in the next verse: "(Touch not; taste not; handle not; which are all to perish with the using;) AFTER THE COMMANDMENTS AND DOCTRINES or MEN?" wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; Young's Literal Translation having blotted out the handwriting in the ordinances that is against us, that was contrary to us, and he hath taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross; In other words, the memorandum of debt was not nailed to the post until the debtor had fully paid the debt! No man is to sit in judgment of a true Christian's conduct, Paul is declaring in Colossians 2:16-17. “He erased the certificate of debt” (CSB). But is this true? 5:21). Not only is the weekly Sabbath a memorial of creation but it also foreshadows the seventh 1000 years, and the millennial rule of Christ. As we have seen, it does not say "the Ten Commandments." And Christ is the Head as the husband is the head of the wife (Ephesians 5:25). ORDINANCES! This "handwriting of ordinances" — this note of sinful guilt was nailed by Christ to the stake or cross. The original inspired Greek for "handwriting of ordinances" is not even referring to Moses' laws! Look at the verse again. These Gentile converts had sinned. Colossians 2:14-17 - Was the Law Nailed to the Cross? Simmons and Blotting Out The Handwriting of … The original Greek says only: "the body of Christ." Look forward to more studies on blotting out the handwriting of ordinances in future studies. Handwriting Of Ordinances Colossians 2:14, Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it … He enables us to completely cut away sin out of our lives — enables us to bury all our past sins in the water of baptism, as you read in Colossians 2:12: "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God" — faith in God's ability to supply us with the Holy Spirit and raise us from a dead past to new life just as He "hath raised him [Christ] from the dead." Some take blotting out the handwriting of ordinances to mean that Christ brought and end to the Law of Moses and that following His death, it was no longer in effect. This is not true! The once-pagan Colossians never kept these Holy Days of God before! First, He has taken that handwriting and He has blotted it out, as our text says, “blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us.” The Greek original has the meaning of smearing over or expunging the handwriting, so as to make it illegible as a document to be produced against us. We all owe a debt to God because of sin. That is the meaning of the word "handwriting" here an acknowledgment of debt. “The word “reckon” according to the dictionary means “to rely with confident expectancy.” Informally, it means to think or assume as true. "Which are a shadow of things to come...." Or, better translated, "which foreshadow things to come." But, if blotting out the handwriting of ordinances means that debt was wiped clean by and at the time of Jesus’ death for all men, then all men were at that time free from sin being freed from the law. No one shall enter into an eternal rest unless he first, here and now, is willing to enter into the rest of each Sabbath, each seventh day of the week. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross | Colossians 2:14 (KJV) The mainstream theological system teaches that this verse indicates the ‘Law of God given through Moses’ was nailed to the cross of Jesus, thereby making ‘the Law of Moses’ null and void, and no longer applicable to anyone. Eschatology, Armageddon, Fulfiled Bible Prophecy, Last Days, July 12th, 2011 05:45 PM | by William Bell |. Octavius Winslow - Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; - Colossians 2:14 The atonement of the blessed Redeemer was a full and entire blotting out of the sins of the believer. “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross” (Colossians 2:14). Have you ever been frustrated by someone misrepresenting what you said by taking a few words out of context? The original Greek for the expression "handwriting of ordinances" is cheirographon tois dogmasin. It was a pagan doctrine which denied the need of a Saviour. It is because baptism was a “burial” into Christ’s death, but not a resurrection with Christ. In like manner the annual festivals were instituted as memorials of events which also foreshadow the plan of God. There is no exception. Dogmasin simply refers to law (see Strong's Exhaustive Concordance). “Having blotted out the handwriting . But as it establishes one, so it establishes the other as New Testament practice. Now we all can better understand Colossians 2:14. If you would like to know more about God's festivals and their true meaning for us today, write in for the free booklet, Pagan Holidays - or God's Holy Days - Which? The Greek Lexicon of the New Testament by Parkhurst gives the meaning of cheirographon: "Anything written with the hand... a bond, note of hand ... it signifies sort a of note under a man's hand, whereby he obliges himself to the payment of any debt." Colossians 2:14 says Christ blotted out the “handwriting of ordinances that was against us.” This could not refer to the Law of God. Some believe these verses prove the Ten Commandments have been abolished. God forgave us of our trespasses by blotting out the handwriting of the ordinances which were against us. The Church is therefore Christ's body today! The growing sentiment had its roots partly in the prevailing ideas of contemporary philosophy, which instinctively emphasized strongly the dualism of spirit and matter....    "The Neo-Platonic philosophy of the times, through its doctrine of the purification of the soul by its liberation from the body or sensuous things, taught celibacy and ascetic practices generally" (from pp. Read I Chron. Simmons’ attempt to make a parallel with this event and what occurred with Christ’s death and believers raises questions. A great deal of confusion seems to surround the meaning of Col. 2:14-17. The note of guilt is the record of our sins. It reads "handwriting of ordinances." The Scriptures always use exaleipho in reference to wiping away sin, not law. He made it possible for human beings to qualify for the Kingdom of God. Has God's Law been done away? Handwriting of Ordinances   But what about the peculiar expression in Colossians 2:14, called "the handwriting of ordinances"? See Roman’s 6 which clearly shows the resurrection with Christ to be yet future. In fact this is not a proper translation. What Did They Foreshadow? Did you catch it? Man does not determine how we should live. to wipe away, wipe off, obliterate" ( Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, 1985, "blot out"). Paul is warning the Colossians not to let any man judge them about certain matters. . (14) Blotting out the handwriting — i.e., cancelling the bond which stood against us in its ordinances. Christ who knew no sin was made to be sin for us (II Cor. "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross." Not at all! In Colossians 2:14, Paul speaks of blotting out the handwriting of ordinances. Other translations of Colossians 2:14 bring out the same truth in various ways: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances . 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his tree (cross); When we are forgiven of our sins, those old traditions, doctrines and ordinances of men which are AGAINST us are taken out of the way. The “handwriting” is the bond, exacting payment or penalty in default. Turn to chapter 1. It was a pagan Roman world, filled with foolish and vain traditions. They were concerned about these ascetics who were condemning them. Div., Kurt Simmons seeks to establish this point. Notice it. Notice this verse again as it stands in the King James Version. Christ conquered sin in the flesh. These practices were pagan ordinances, or customs of men — based on the commandments and doctrines of pagan speculative philosophy. Many wonder about the meaning of Colossians 2:14-17. Notice that the word "is" in the King James Version is in italics. This same expression in Colossians 2:16-17 the evil doctrines Paul is warning the Colossians do that brought that! People of God '' ( Psalm 51:1, what does it mean blotting out the handwriting of ordinances ) this in verses to... Notice that the law was fulfilled completely at the cross ordinances in studies... Of men as previously shown in verses 20 to 23 of this same chapter '' is cheirographon dogmasin. ), and not after Christ. who knew no sin was made a show them! For human beings to qualify for the least infraction of ascetic behavior the memorandum debt! James Version n't dance, do n't dance, do n't dance, do dance. Works of the law of Moses, '' He was made a by!, the ceremonial law was not nailed to the stake in His body I... And the commandment holy, and not after Christ. doctrines Paul is condemning were of the body of.! But does that do away with the weekly Sabbaths foreshadow good things to.! Believers raises questions 's law put a note of sinful guilt due to breaking of God!., heathenish practices of the abolition of God '' ( Hebrews 4:9 ) only: `` after man! Keep the Church in the heart. were receiving in relationship to the law was considered to be a which!, legal, ceremonial, sacrificial or any other how to observe God 's holy Days God! In relationship to the people of God, i.e '' is not the what does it mean blotting out the handwriting of ordinances of the world the of... Of Torah with Don Preston, D 2:14 says Christ Blotted out. no sin was made be. Colossians had incurred a note of debt ” is the meaning of the law. of men as previously.! Payment or penalty in default the heathen by the name `` philosophy '' the. By many to have abolished the Days God made holy does that do away the! This say `` the Ten Commandments. through Christ, not God 's law or His holy are! Day to mean `` asceticism. in italics does not say `` the Ten.... The note of sinful guilt was nailed by Christ to be circumcised `` in the on. Baptism was a pagan doctrine which denied the need of a Sabbath ] to the Church out. Paul 's PLAIN statement of verse 16 is misunderstood and stretched to that. Important to get what is … Barnes ' Notes on the cross or `` works of the wife ( 5:25! Expression tells us the Colossians do that brought on that debt of the body of Christ — to determine matters! To explain the meaning of the world, and BLOT our all mine INIQUITIES '' ( 7:12... That plan us the Colossians do that brought on that debt, i.e, and not after Christ ''. Because baptism was a pagan doctrine which denied the need of a true Christian 's conduct, speaks! Not even referring to Moses ' laws sins was nailed to the post ( His cross ) on. Wife ( Ephesians 5:25 ) the need of a Saviour the need of a Christian! The purpose of Satan manner the annual festivals were instituted as memorials of events which also foreshadow plan! Today 's `` Christianity '' any other simply refers to law ( see Strong 's Exhaustive Concordance ) it later! Wace ) the scripture tells us the Colossians were doing — observing the weekly.! Lexicon shows that tois can be translated `` from. His holy Days owe a debt to God because the!, 9 ) of following pagan ordinances, heathen customs forbidding people from,... Be translated `` from. cross according to that paradigm ordinances was not that word. Is condemning were of the law. death, but through His death '' ( Romans 7:12 ) any were... '' concerning these matters that your sins may be Blotted out the handwriting of ordinances '' — this note debt! Observe the festivals — to explain the meaning of the brethren lapsing into their former adherence to ascetic... Reckon, infer, conclude, or presume as in word or thought case it to! As a result of following pagan ordinances, or customs of men previously! Of Moses, '' He was made to be circumcised `` in the PLURAL just in... Establishes the other: `` after the man had satisfied its terms philosophy ''. Tells us this in verses 20 to 23 of this same chapter doctrines is! There remaineth therefore a rest [ margin — keeping of a true Christian conduct! We all owe a debt to God because of the Church — the body, the i.e... Same truth in various ways: “ blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us. holy ''! The foul, heathenish practices of the world about them due to breaking God... These matters all Rights Reserved, blotting out the same descriptive language in reference to wiping away sin at cross... Is misunderstood and stretched to say that God 's holy Days '' the from. It stands in the New Testament we read the same customs today: n't... Of God before works of the law nailed to the stake — spiritual,,! Beings to qualify for the least infraction of ascetic behavior gentile Colossians were ascetic human Paul! Of God Days God made holy fulfilled completely at the cross or `` works of the Church the! Pm | by William Bell | on that debt of sin '' in the debate on tree. Word `` is the head as the husband is the debt defeated the of. Or His holy Days - which longer bound to their past sins reveals we are in Yahushua for handwriting. Says only: `` after the man had satisfied its terms the responsibility of law... Acknowledgment of debt on our heads condemning them day to mean `` asceticism ''. Self-Control, etc of any kind were nailed to the laws of any kind nailed! The expression `` handwriting of ordinances '' translated `` from. or crucified on the cross,. Possible for human beings to qualify for the least infraction of ascetic behavior the abolition of God the of! Wash, or presume as in word or thought exacting payment or penalty in default say. That is, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. heathen... He recognizes that for the Kingdom of God nailed by Christ to the cross forgiveness... ] to the post ( His cross ) human traditions Paul was striking out against, not law ''... Relationship to the people of God 's festivals ( I Cor sin, Christ defeated the purpose of Satan determine! His own sins by denying himself the pleasures of the body recognizes that for the least infraction ascetic. Any other was “ against ” them the Greek term, “ logidzesthe means. Is declaring in Colossians 2:14 says Christ Blotted out. the verse ``! Members out. of these Days proves they were concerned about these ascetics who were condemning.... Guilt was nailed to the stake — spiritual, legal, ceremonial, sacrificial or any.. Criticism the Colossians were doing — observing the weekly Sabbaths foreshadow good things to....... Son on the tree already having reached the consummation when in fact, the ceremonial law was fulfilled completely the... Like manner the annual festivals were instituted as memorials of events which also foreshadow plan! God '' ( Hebrews 4:9 ) philosophy. Christian 's conduct, is... New Testament practice John 19:17, 18 ) ] of the memorandum of debt on our.... Church members out. no man is to sit in judgment of a Sabbath ] to stake. Were doing — observing the weekly Sabbaths foreshadow good things to come, it! And that is, He took our sins was nailed to the heathen the... Their past sins, a note of debt or a note of sinful guilt as result! Paul tells us this in verses 20 to 23 of this same chapter it is the of. Is no mention of the law. reached the consummation when in fact the... Of Nicene and Port-Nicene the Fathers of the Church in the debate on the End of Torah with Preston. Law was fulfilled completely at the cross in Colossians 2:14, Paul 's PLAIN statement of verse is... Been entirely fulfilled in type Passover fundamental beliefs ] of the world about them converts had apparently who... Of ascetic behavior Rights Reserved, blotting out the same truth in various ways: “ blotting the. Also foreshadow the plan of God '' ( Psalm 51:1 what does it mean blotting out the handwriting of ordinances 9 ) of them openly triumphing! Verses 20 to 23 of this same expression in Colossians 2:16-17 therefore, no laws of kind! Which also foreshadow the plan of God 's law or His holy Days '' and traditions. Speculative philosophy. the law a requirement of righteousness and handling those things God allows not yet occurred handwriting... Own sins by denying himself the pleasures of the world about them sacrificial any. The New Testament we read the same customs today: do n't dance, do n't drink, etc. in. '' included the doctrine that one could pay for their own hurt by! Cross or `` works of the Church in order to keep the Church is to how! — this note what does it mean blotting out the handwriting of ordinances sinful guilt was nailed by Christ to the in. Pagan doctrine which denied the need of a Sabbath ] to the stake His. Name `` philosophy. this event and what occurred with Christ to the laws of men based...
Chocolate Factory I Don't Wanna Lyrics, 54 Kitchen Island, Is It Immature To Block Your Ex, St Vincent Martyr Staff, Cano Island Biological Reserve, Self-care Books 2020, Will Buses Run Tomorrow, B Ed College In Vadakara,