Colossians 2:14

having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he hath taken it out that way, nailing it to the cross;

'HAVING' -The same type of past-tense language is used in Colossians 2:12 and Colossians 2:13.

'BLOTTED OUT' -1813. exaleipho ex-al-i'-fo; from 1537 and 218; to smear out, i.e. obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin): -blot out, wipe away.

-'the preposition also carries the sense of removal; hence to smear out; to wipe away...to besmear..completely.' (Vincent p. 490) 'To rub out, wipe off, erase...Often manuscripts were rubbed or scrapped and written over again..' (Robertson p. 494)

'This verb signifies to smear, or plaster over, and then it is used to denote the act by which. law or deed of obligation is cancelled.' (Eadie p. 158)

'THE BOND' -5498. cheirographon khi-rog'-raf-on; neuter of. compound of 5495 and 1125; something hand-written ("chirograph"), i.e.. manuscript (specifically,. legal document or bond [figuratively]): -handwriting.

'WRITTEN IN ORDINANCES' -'the bond that consisted of ordinances' (TCNT); 'canceled the note that stood against us, with its requirements.' (Wms) 'binding statues or legal demands' (O'Brien p. 125)

'WHICH WAS CONTRARY TO US' -5227. hupenantios hoop-en-an-tee'-os; from 5259 and 1727; under (covertly) contrary to, i.e. opposed or (as noun) an opponent: -adversary, against.

Points to Note:

1. It seems clear that the "bond written in ordinances" is. reference to the Law of Moses. Compare the wording of Colossians 2:14 with Ephesians 2:15.

2. Many writers point out that the would "bond". 'denotes. "document", especially. "note of indebtedness" written in one's own hand as. proof of obligation' (O'Brien p. 124) And the same writer notes, 'Like an IOU it (the Law of Moses) contained penalty clauses...The Jews had contracted to obey the law, and in their case the penalty for breach of this contract meant death (Deuteronomy 27:14; Deuteronomy 30:15). Paul assumes that the Gentiles were committed, through their consciences, to. similar obligation..(cf. Romans 2:14)... Since the obligation had not been discharged by either group the "bond" remained against us.' (p. 125)

3. The Law of Moses was hostile to us in the sense: (a) It demanded flawless law-keeping (Galatians 3:10). (b) But man can't deliver perfect law-keeping (Romans 7:1; Acts 15:10) (c) It provided the promise of. Saviour, but not the Saviour Himself (Galatians 3:19). (d) The atonement system found in the Law couldn't forgive sin (Hebrews 10:1; Acts 13:38)

4. And carefully note, what made the Law of Moses contrary to men and women, was their failures to obey it. Paul makes it perfectly clear that the Law itself was 'holy..righteous, and good' (Romans 7:12).

5. Why then would anyone want to be under the Law of Moses? When denominations try to pick something out the Law of Moses (i.e. the Sabbath Day, tithing, an official priesthood, food laws, etc..) to find acceptance with God today, they are automatically placing themselves under. Law that demands flawlessness, i.e. they have excluded themselves from grace (Galatians 5:1), and have placed themselves under. curse (Colossians 3:10-13).

'AND HE HATH TAKEN IT OUT OF THE WAY' -Which means the same thing as "having blotted out" (Colossians 2:14). 'The perfect tense emphasizes the permanence of the removal of the bond which has been paid and cancelled and cannot be presented again.' (Robertson p. 494)

'NAILING IT TO THE CROSS' -

Points to Note:

1. This defines "when" the Law of Moses was removed as. binding law upon mankind. Other verses teach the same truth (Ephesians 2:14; Hebrews 9:14; Galatians 3:24). Thus the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ signaled the end of the First Covenant and the beginning of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 2:31; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).

2. Contrary to the claims of some. Jesus didn't merely remove "part" of the Law of Moses or merely the ceremonial aspects of the Law. But the whole law, including the Ten Commandments (Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 9:1).

3. The death of Jesus not only made forgiveness possible, it liberated us from. law that couldn't deliver forgiveness. It enabled to live under. Covenant in which less than perfect people can be saved (1 John 1:8).

4. 'God annulled the law when his Son satisfied its demand of perfect obedience, bore its curse (Galatians 3:10), and fulfilled its shadows, its types and ceremonies. It was nailed to the cross with Jesus. It died when he died.' (Hendriksen p. 121)

5. Thus we have two thoughts presented in the above verses: (a) The removal of our own sins. (b) And the removal of. Law system that demanded flawlessness.

6. And let us always remember, that "law" still exists for the Christian, i.e. the law of Christ (James 1:25). Sin still exists and things are still wrong (1 Corinthians 6:9; Galatians 5:21 ff). But for the Christian, true forgiveness is available upon sincere repentance (1 John 1:8; Matthew 18:15; Luke 17:3)

7. Let us remember that all this information is being given to make the point that Jesus Christ provides everything the Christian needs for salvation.. don't need Jesus and the Law of Moses, in fact,. needed Jesus to release me from the Law, for the Law was contrary to me!