July 31: WIPED OUT (part 2)
And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14 (see also Ephesians 2:5)
Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles centered upon what Christ accomplished at the cross along with His right to rule in our lives, sanctifying us for eternity. He death becomes our death and His life becomes our life (see Galatians 2:20). For He Himself is our peace, who has made both [Jews and Gentiles] one, and has broken down the middle wall [soreg] of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man [a unified body] from the two, thus making peace (Ephesians 2:14-15). The message illustrated in ordinances pointed toward Christ. Paul sought to foster unity among the believers in emphasizing Christ’s work at the cross for all.
The unchanging moral law highlights the distinction between right and wrong (Romans 3:20; 7:7), reminding us of our daily need of the Savior. He died as the Lamb of God, and forgives anyone who genuinely repents and accepts His power to be transformed, or sanctified.
The Scriptures clarify the difference between the various laws given by God. The handwriting of requirements is also called the law of Moses (Luke 2:22). The law that still stands is called the law of the LORD (Isaiah 5:24). Moses’ law is called law. . . contained in ordinances (Ephesians 2:15). The permanent law is called the royal law (James 2:8). The law written by the hand of Moses is on paper (2 Chronicles 35:12). The law written and spoken by God Himself is on tablets of stone (Exodus 31:18; 32:16). Moses’ law was placed on the side of the ark (Deuteronomy 31:26). The stone tablets (Ten Commandments) were placed inside the ark (Exodus 40:20).
The ceremonial ordinances ended at the cross (Ephesians 2:16). These ordinances were added because of sin (Galatians 3:19) and were contrary to us (Colossians 2:14). They judge no one (v.16), are fleshly (Hebrews 7:16), and made nothing perfect (v.19).
The breaking of the moral law (recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21) is the reason for the death of the sinless the Son of God (Galatians 2:20) in our place. The moral law will stand forever (Luke 16:17). It reflects the unchanging character of God (Malachi 3:6; Matthew 5:18; James 1:17), and if it could be changed, Jesus need not have died. It is not burdensome (1 John 5:3), and its liberating principles are the standard by which all are judged (James 2:10-12). It is spiritual (Romans 7:14). The Ten Commandments are perfect, converting the soul (Psalm 19:7). Beloved, our archenemy seethes with fury toward those who love God and walk in the Spirit. (Romans 8:1,4; Galatians 5:16) The New Covenant is His grace at work to write His law upon the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:31,33; Hebrews 8:10; 10:16). Those who claim that the law of the LORD was “nailed to the cross” are sadly mistaken and unwittingly doing Satan’s work for him.
And the dragon was enraged with the woman [faithful church], and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17