What laws were nailed to the cross?

[barnz]

I need to make things clear for me. Exactly which laws were nailed to the cross and which are not? Of course it is only God's grace through our faith that saves us, but that doesn't make God's laws meaningless. Could someone help me out? (Of course, biblical evidence that I can look up would help me even more).

Thanks

[12tribes]

I need to make things clear for me. Exactly which laws were nailed to the cross and which are not? Of course it is only God's grace through our faith that saves us, but that doesn't make God's laws meaningless. Could someone help me out? (Of course, biblical evidence that I can look up would help me even more).

Thanks

Colossians 2:14

(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 cross;

Deuteronomy 31:24-26

(24) And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

(25) That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,

(26) Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.

Notice that Moses law was written by Moses and that is what Colossians says was done away but, the Law of God was not handwritten it was written on stone by God.

[Gerr]

I know of NO LAW that was nailed to the Cross. It was our certificate of indebtedness that was nailed to the Cross.

ESV | ‎Col 2:14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

‎‎NASB95 | ‎Col 2:14 °having canceled out the °certificate of debt °consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us°; and He has taken it out of the way, °having nailed it to the cross

NRSV | ‎Col 2:14 °erasing the record °that stood against us with its legal demands. °He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.

[BobRyan]

I need to make things clear for me. Exactly which laws were nailed to the cross and which are not? Of course it is only God's grace through our faith that saves us, but that doesn't make God's laws meaningless. Could someone help me out? (Of course, biblical evidence that I can look up would help me even more).

Thanks

Gerry is exactly right.

No Laws were nailed to the cross.

Colossians 2 does not say that Law was nailed to the cross - it says that our "certificate of debt" was nailed to the cross.

Christ died to pay our debt - He did not die to trash His Word, His Law, His Commands.

That part of Law that is "predictive law" was fulfilled when the prediction came about just as the Law predicted.

But the majority of Law is not predictive - it is prescriptive. It tells us to Honor or Parents, Love one another, Remember the Sabbath day of Creation week etc

in Christ,

Bob

[ClubV12]

Ah yes, the moral vs ceremonial law. Ceremonial law was sacraficing animals, there is no doubt that was eneded with Christ being the final sacraficial lamb.

But the question posed is, "Exactly which laws were nailed to the cross and which are not?"

An impossible question as to exactness. There remains MUCH in the Levitical law that is worthy of consideration. Some rules/laws apply to all, some have to be considered on an individual basis. Eating pork is not a test of fellowship, for instance, but as for myself and a host of others I feel compelled to honor the biblical counsel, don't eat it. Along with the rest of the counsel concerning clean and unclean meats.

How we apply them is perhaps a better question. Individually, in my opinion, is the best answer. Without condemnation for opposing views, but sharing your veiw point in a loving way.

What about the various religious holidays? Passover as one example. I don't have a problem for those that wish to keep thencommemorative holidays in some way. I DO have a problem with those who insist we HAVE to keep them. Let every man be convinced in his own heart what God requires of him.

As it concerns the laws of Moses, they simply EXPANDED on the ten commandments. In language the people could understand. Had they been able to fully comprehend the ten commandments the laws of Moses, in their exacting detail, would not have been required.

WE are in a similiar position, WE cannot fully comprehend the meaning of the ten commandments and the deep things of the bible. We don't have Moses today, but we STILL have counsel from a prophet. Sister White, to guide us into a fuller understanding of book whereby all men will be judged, the Holy Bible. The bible, in conjunction with the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy provideds everything we need to stay on the path. Personally, I don't see how they can be separated anymore than Israel could separate themselves from the laws of Moses.

[John317]

No Laws were nailed to the cross.

Colossians 2 does not say that Law was nailed to the cross - it says that our "certificate of debt" was nailed to the cross.

Christ died to pay our debt - He did not die to trash His Word, His Law, His Commands.

[John317]

... I don't have a problem for those that wish to keep thencommemorative holidays in some way. I DO have a problem with those who insist we HAVE to keep them. Let every man be convinced in his own heart what God requires of him.

I agree with you, Club.

Check out: www.bibleexplorations.com

and

www.bibleexplorations.com/streaming

[John317]

I know of NO LAW that was nailed to the Cross. It was our certificate of indebtedness that was nailed to the Cross.

ESV | Col 2:14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

This is one of the things about which I've changed my mind since coming to the Forum. I used to think it was the ceremonial law that was nailed to the cross in Col. 2: 14, but I no longer believe this. I agree with you that it was the record of our debts which was nailed to the cross.

[LynnDel]

Thank you!

[barnz]

So because no laws where nailed to the cross, shouldn't we try to follow these laws? Even though we are saved by grace through faith, that doesn't mean that it's okay to break the laws. So why don't we celebrate passover or practice the civil laws of Leviticus?

[ClubV12]

Good questions alexamasan, some people see it exactly as you suggest and do follow Sister Whites counsel to carefully consider the Levitcal laws.

But then, as a people, "we" are so ignorant of her counsel in general, so far removed from the "blue print", the lifestyle she talks about Levitical laws are the tip of the ice berg.

By the way, lets assume you do eat meat, Sister Whites counsel aside, what is the biblical counsel on that issue and is it applicable to all christians today?

The biblical counsel is clear and it's also clear it is PERPETUAL, has not now nor ever been set aside. No blood, no fat. Essentially "kosher", I believe that STILL apples today just as much as it did in the days of Moses. Get that steak well done, no fat, no "marbling", lean as possible. But, let every man be convinced in his own mind what applies and what doesn't. AND let every man carefully consider how to introduce any changes in their life in a reasonable and logical manner. Ellen White was seriously all about "common sense" and "balance".

Bear in mind some of the laws of Moses were about sacraficing animals, that time is passed. Other laws were about the form of GOVERNMENT for the Nation. We need to be careful in how we apply the Government rules/laws, all though they contain some excellent principles we CAN apply to our lives, our business, our family.

[Gerr]

So because no laws where nailed to the cross, shouldn't we try to follow these laws? Even though we are saved by grace through faith, that doesn't mean that it's okay to break the laws. So why don't we celebrate passover or practice the civil laws of Leviticus?

No, for the following reasons:

1. ESV | ‎Heb 8:4 "Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. ‎5 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things." The "law" referred to here is the law regarding sacrifices and the earthly tabernacle services, i.e. ceremonial system. They were only a "copy and shadow" of a greater reality.

2. ESV | ‎Col 2:16 "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. ‎17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ."

ESV | ‎Heb 10:1 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.... 3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. ‎4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins."

Paul is saying the same thing here as he told the Hebrews regarding the earthly tabernacle services. There is no need to deal with the shadows, the types, if the real substance is now available.

3. ESV | ‎Heb 8:6 "But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises." The sacrificial death of Christ on the Cross that fulfilled the types in the OT ceremonial system inaugurated - "6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.

7 If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it." Heb 8:6-7 NLT.

ESV | ‎Heb 10:12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, ‎13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. ‎14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

4. ESV | ‎Heb 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, ‎20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, ‎21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ‎22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

However, I have wondered about some of the festivals if we shouldn't celebrate them since not all of them have been fulfilled yet, e.g. Feast of Booths, Ingathering/Harvest.

[barnz]

I see, so to sum up for me, what is considered the shadow of the law? Why aren't the 10 commandments considered part of the shadow?

[John317]

The shadows were those things that cast a shadow forward because they pointed forward to the coming of the Messiah. These were types that would be fulfilled by Christ.

The moral law, summarized in the Ten Commandments, was not a type and did not point forward to the coming of the Messiah. The Ten Commandments tell us God's will and define sin. Like a mirror, they tell us that we're dirty and in need of a Savior. They lead us to Christ for forgiveness, but if we take away the Ten Commandments, we have no need of forgiveness.

[barnz]

Right now the biggest thing that confuses me is the Civil Laws. What about those? Do we need them?

[ClubV12]

Civil laws, the form of GOVERNMENT for the Nation of Israel? Or perhaps in how they were to deal with "people", their neighbors, the poor, the strangers in their land.

I actually apply many of those PRINCIPLES to MY life right now! Like not taking advantage of the poor by charging high interest. Or to a poor brother by not charging ANY interest! One of the rules was lending money and taking a mans coat for collateral. The coat was to be returned by sundown so the fellow wouldn't get cold at night. Understanding the PRINCIPLE helps you apply it in real life. The BIG principle I see here, by the way, is the spirit of love, which can be traced right back to the ten commandments!

Lets consider another one, plant no crops in the seventh year, so the land can have a time to "recover" and so the poor can reap whatever crops do come up. A double whammy there. GOOD for the land AND at the same time, good for the poor! Applying the principle could be considered, "crop rotation", at least. A commonly recognized farming method that is good for the land. Even better for the LAND would be not planting anything every seven years! These civil "laws" just make good common sense.

I can and do apply some civil laws when it comes to helping the poor and homeless. There are "worthy poor" and those who are NOT "worthy". It can be difficult making that determination, maybe I'm not always right? But I am learning from the PRINCIPLES how to be more discerning. Those that don't work (aren't willing to work even when work is offered) and are able bodied, don't eat. I won't give them a "hand out", I will give them a "hand up".

I read Ellen White the same way, when she says don't buy a bicycle, what is the PRINCIPLE that applies today? $10,000 carbon fiber bike anyone? She also cautions against PICTURES. Think about how much, today, you COULD spend on a camera? Not to mention the incredible time consuming nature of "picture taking", transmitting, printing, sharing, collecting, etc. The bicycle and photo counsel is worthy of consideration in OUR TIME, right now, today!

[Lysimachus]

I have a hard time with the belief that it was our "certificate of indebtedness" was what was nailed to the cross. Samuele Bacchiochi was the one that came up with this, and it just kind of throws SDA theology all over the place.

There is no doubt that we no longer have to perform sacrifices, or perform feasts, or ceremonies. Therefore, in a sense, the requirements to keep these were wiped away.

I've seen other large studies on this, and they showed from the Greek that although it can be interpreted as our "certificate of indebtedness", that's now how Paul meant it.

Nobody can pay the debt of another sinner. Everyone must pay for his own sins.

Ellen White implies that it was the ceremonial law that was nailed to the cross:

Quote:

Many in the Christian world also have a veil before their eyes and heart. They do not see to the end of that which was done away. They do not see that it was only the ceremonial law which was abrogated at the death of Christ. They claim that the moral law was nailed to the cross. Heavy is the veil that darkens their understanding. The hearts of many are at war with God. They are not subject to His law. Only as they shall come into harmony with the rule of His government, can Christ be of any avail to them. They may talk of Christ as their Saviour; but He will finally say to them, I know you not. You have not exercised genuine repentance toward God for the transgression of His holy law, and you cannot have genuine faith in Me, for it was My mission to exalt God's law. {1SM 239.2}

Quote:

Men declare that the first day of the week is commemorated in honor of the resurrection of Christ from the dead, when not one line in the word of God can be found requiring this at their hands. "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." But many sweep away the Ten Commandments entirely, announcing that they were nailed to the cross with the ceremonial law of types and sacrifices. While professing to honor the Son by keeping a day in honor of his resurrection, they pour contempt upon the law of Jehovah, and are following the course of Cain in offering that which God has never commanded, and in ignoring a plain command which he has given. Those who obey the voice of God, as did Abel, receive from the hands of the disobedient, treatment similar to that which Abel met with from the hands of Cain. John says, "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." {ST, January 9, 1896 par. 8}

[Lysimachus]

Quote:

There are many who try to blend these two systems, using the texts that speak of the ceremonial law to prove that the moral law has been abolished; but this is a perversion of the Scriptures. The distinction between the two systems is broad and clear. The ceremonial system was made up of symbols pointing to Christ, to His sacrifice and His priesthood. This ritual law, with its sacrifices and ordinances, was to be performed by the Hebrews until type met antitype in the death of Christ, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Then all the sacrificial offerings were to cease. It is this law that Christ "took . . . out of the way, nailing it to His cross." Colossians 2:14. But concerning the law of Ten Commandments the psalmist declares, "Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89. And Christ Himself says, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law. . . . Verily I say unto you"--making the assertion as emphatic as possible--"Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:17, 18. Here He teaches, not merely what the claims of God's law had been, and were then, but that these claims should hold as long as the heavens and the earth remain. The law of God is as immutable as His throne. It will maintain its claims upon mankind in all ages. {PP 365.1}

[Lysimachus]

Quote:

There is a law which was abolished, which Christ "took out of the way, nailing it to His cross." Paul calls it "the law of commandments contained in ordinances." This ceremonial law, given by God through Moses, with its sacrifices and ordinances, was to be binding upon the Hebrews until type met antitype in the death of Christ as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world. Then all the sacrificial offerings and services were to be abolished. Paul and the other apostles laboured to show this, and resolutely withstood those Judaizing teachers who declared that Christians ought to observe the ceremonial law. {BEcho, April 16, 1894 par. 2}

[Lysimachus]

So there goes your theory, right out the window Gerry Cabalo!!!

Ellen White CLEARLY says there was a LAW that was NAILED to the Cross! :)

[John317]

Right now the biggest thing that confuses me is the Civil Laws. What about those? Do we need them?

The civil laws were the principles of the Ten Commandments adapted to the life of Israel while they were in the wilderness. While God doesn't require us to obey the letter of those laws, the principles behind them still apply to Christians today.

[Lysimachus]

Since the kingdom was taken away from Israel, and we are no longer under Jewish theocracy, those Civil Laws no longer apply. Now the New Jerusalem is our capital, and now we are under the theocracy and government of the New Jerusalem, not Old Jerusalem.

Jesus is now our king, and He is now in total control of executing judgment. Jesus gave the executing power of judgment to the Jewish theocracy, but He took that away from them. Now Jesus is in charge of it.

[ClubV12]

OK, so we KNOW the ten commandments apply, today, to all. Is that,,, all there is? I think not.

Sister White tells us the laws of Moses were meant to clairify the ten commandments. Therefore, I conclude, as she counsels, that there is much within those laws of Moses that remain applicable today. Just like there is much within the counsel of Ellen White that remains applicable today.

Let every man be convinced in his own heart. But understand that which is not directly a "test of faith" does not automatically relieve us from the responsibility of obedience. We are held accountable not for just what we know, but what we COULD HAVE KNOWN but did not care enough to discover. The failure to search as for hidden treasure will be noted on the record.

What biblical counsel, laws if you will, apply to each of us individually, today? What counsel applies to each of us from Sister White? Food for thought that should not be to easily dismissed.

Gerry may not be as far from the mark as it appears in regards as to what was and what wasn't "nailed to the cross". Animal sacrafice is rather obvious, everything else should be weighed carefully.

Ellen Whites counsel always has to be balanced. Is her counsel on the eating of Pork strictly a "health issue" or is it in fact rooted in Levitical law? Both, I would submit.

[Gerr]

Quote:

There is a law which was abolished, which Christ "took out of the way, nailing it to His cross." Paul calls it "the law of commandments contained in ordinances." This ceremonial law, given by God through Moses, with its sacrifices and ordinances, was to be binding upon the Hebrews until type met antitype in the death of Christ as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world. Then all the sacrificial offerings and services were to be abolished. Paul and the other apostles laboured to show this, and resolutely withstood those Judaizing teachers who declared that Christians ought to observe the ceremonial law. {BEcho, April 16, 1894 par. 2}

Agreed that when Jesus died on the Cross, type (ceremonial system) met antitype and became null and void. But what was nailed to the Cross in Col 2:14? I will follow the advice of EGW herself when she said:

"Brethren, cling to your Bible, as it reads,..." 1SM19. And here is how my Bible reads:

ESV | ‎Col 2:13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, ‎14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

‎‎NASB95 | ‎Col 2:13 °When you °were dead in your °transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, °He made you alive together with °Him, having forgiven us all our °transgressions, ‎14 °having canceled out the °certificate of debt °consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us°; and He has taken it out of the way, °having nailed it to the cross.

NLT |13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.

NCV | 14 He canceled the debt, which listed all the rules we failed to follow. He took away that record with its rules and nailed it to the cross.

GNT | he cancelled the unfavourable record of our debts with its binding rules and did away with it completely by nailing it to the cross.

LEB (Lexham Eng. Bible) | 14 having destroyed the certificate of indebtedness in ordinances against us, which was hostile to us, and removed it out of the way by* nailing it to the cross.

Holman | 4 He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the cross.

NET Bible | made you alive with him, having forgiven all your transgressions. 2:14 He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.

Please notice that the thought in v.14 began in v.13. We were dead in our trespasses, but God made us alive with Him. How? By forgiving us our trespasses. How did He do it? By canceling the record of debt by nailing it to the Cross!

[John317]