What does Colossians 2:14 mean?

Explanation

Colossians 2:14 is a verse from the New Testament that speaks to the Christian belief that Jesus Christ's death on the cross has a deep spiritual significance.

The "handwriting of ordinances" refers to the record of debts or obligations that humans owe due to their sin, according to Christian theology.

These "ordinances" can also be seen as the laws of the Old Testament, which highlight human imperfection and the inability to achieve righteousness by oneself.

The phrase "that was against us, which was contrary to us" suggests these laws and regulations were ultimately impossible to fully keep and stood as a constant reminder of human shortcomings and sinfulness.

By "blotting out" this record, the verse symbolises the forgiveness of sins through Christ's atoning death.

The act of "nailing it to his cross" represents the belief that Jesus bore the burdens of human sin on the cross, effectively nullifying the demands and penalties that the ordinances required.

The verse is meant to assure believers of their liberation from the weight of the law and sin because of Jesus' sacrificial action.

Historical Context

The book of Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Colossae, a city in Asia Minor, sometime around 60-62 A.D.

This was a period when the early church faced many challenges, including false teachings and the influence of pagan religions.

Among these challenges were judaizing movements that suggested that non-Jewish Christians had to observe Jewish law to be saved, including practices such as circumcision and dietary restrictions.

Paul writes to the Colossian church to refute these teachings and to affirm the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ.

In this context, Colossians 2:14 is part of Paul's argument that Christ himself has done away with the need to adhere to the Jewish law to earn God's favor, by paying the ultimate price for sin on the cross.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse raises several key themes:

1. Atonement: Many Christian theologians understand this verse to refer to the atonement – the reconciliation between God and humanity through Jesus Christ.

2. Justification by faith: The verse is seen as a support for the doctrine that faith in Christ, rather than adherence to the law, is the basis for forgiveness and righteousness before God.

3. The law and the Gospel: This verse is often interpreted as indicative of the relationship between the Old Testament Law and the New Testament Gospel. It's taken to mean that Christ's sacrifice has fulfilled the Law's requirements and believers are no longer under its legalistic dominion.

4. The power of the cross: It highlights the power of the cross in the Christian faith; the crucifixion is not just a historical event but has ongoing spiritual implications for believers.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Colossians 2:14 can be applied in various ways:

• It can provide comfort to those who are struggling with guilt or feelings of inadequacy, as it emphasizes the completeness of Christ’s redemptive work.
• It encourages believers to rely not on their own works but on the grace offered through Jesus Christ.
• The verse inspires a life free from the obligation of legalistic religious practices and fosters a relationship with God based on grace and faith.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 2:15: "Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;"
• Romans 8:1-2: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

• Galatians 2:19-20: "For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Colossians 2:14 and their meanings:

• "Blotting out" (ἐξαλείφω, exaleiphō): This term can mean to wipe away, erase, or completely obliterate.

In the context of the verse, it implies the removal or cancellation of a debt or charge.

• "Handwriting" (χειρόγραφον, cheirographon): Literally a hand-written document, often referring to a legal document or bond, in this case symbolizing the written code that accuses or condemns.
• "Ordinances" (δόγμα, dogma): This word can refer to decrees, laws, or set of beliefs.

In a religious context, it often means the ceremonial practices and laws of the Old Testament.

• "Contrary to us" (ὑπεναντίος, hypenantios): Meaning against or opposed to.

It suggests that the ordinances were not just regulations but stood in opposition to humanity’s interests as they were impossible to keep perfectly.

• "Nailing it to his cross" (προσηλόω, prosēloō): To fasten or fix, in this case highlighting the act of Christ taking the legal demands and securing them to the cross, as if neutralizing their power.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse has parallels with some ancient practices and religious symbolism:

• In the Greco-Roman culture, canceling debts often involved striking or blotting out the record.

This metaphor would have been understood by readers in that cultural context.

• The concept of a god or gods taking on the burdens or sins of humanity is present in some other ancient religions, though the particulars and interpretations differ significantly from the Christian narrative.
• The act of sacrifice, common in many religions, is here given a unique interpretation whereby the sacrifice of Jesus is seen as once-for-all and all-encompassing, rather than as an ongoing series of offerings.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the verse does not touch on empirical facts but on metaphysical beliefs about sin and redemption. It emphasizes a spiritual transaction rather than a physical one, thus placing it outside the purview of scientific investigation.

However, discussions regarding the psychological effects of beliefs about atonement and forgiveness do intersect with scientific study on human behavior and mental health.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical commentators have offered interpretations of Colossians 2:14:

• Many agree that Paul uses commercial or legal language to make his point about the spiritual reality of forgiveness through Christ.
• Some see the "handwriting of ordinances" as specifically the Mosaic Law, while others interpret it as representing any system of legalistic religious or moral practices.
• Commentators from the Reformed tradition underscore the verse as an argument for sola fide, or justification by faith alone, against the backdrop of first-century Judaisers who were advocating for adherence to the Mosaic Law.
• Catholic interpretation often includes this verse in the broader context of understanding the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and Confession, as the means through which the grace Christ secured at the cross is imparted to believers.
• Liberation theology might view this passage in terms of social justice, with the 'ordinances' also representing oppressive systems that are overcome through Christ’s sacrifice.