What was figuratively “nailed to the cross”?
What was figuratively “nailed to the cross”?
Signed, Cleophus
Good Day—
Thank you Cleophus for the question and for reading the columns—
Are you taking your question from Colossians 2:14? If that is the case, I ask that you refer to Colossians 2:13 and 14 together.
I am using the 1611 version of the King James Version — And you being dead in your sins, and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 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.
Upon researching the above verses, one may have conflict in their mind as to whether the Ten Commandments are to be abolished. To me, this is an absurd thought for Jesus says that he came not to abolish to fulfill the law. Why would the Son of God defy or undermine the Father?
Let’s go back to verse 13 and break this down—
And you being dead — Devoid of God and walking in the ways of this world–Please refer to Ephesians 2:1
Hath He quickened — We have been made alive in union with Christ
Having forgiven you all trespasses — Cancel and pardon our trespasses or debts—Please refer to the Disciples Prayer
Blotting out — erasing or wiping away
The handwriting of ordinances — the bond is the certification of debt, the instrument of condemnation and a signed confession of indebtedness. Upon describing the law, here are three thoughts—(1)—WRITTEN IN ORDINANCES AND EXPRESSED IN DECREES AND COMMANDMENTS, (2) HAD A VALID CLAIM ON EACH OF US, (3) EACH OF US COULD NOT MEET THIS CLAIM.
Paul says the bond was blotted out or erased or taken away and nailed to the cross. Please refer to 2 Corinthians 5:21,
It is interesting to note that in the East, a bond is cancelled by nailing it to a post. Our bond of guilt was nailed to His cross.
Simply put we are dead in sins and Christ nailed them to the cross.
Thank you for the thoughtful question.
May you Bless God in all that you say and do,
Jeff