Yes, the law with its ordinances was nailed to Christ's cross, removing its condemnation and ending its hold on believers.
The handwriting of ordinances that stood against us was taken out of the way and nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). This means the entire system of law, including its rituals and demands, was satisfied and abolished in Christ's crucifixion. Consequently, believers are no longer under the law but under grace.
Colossians 2:14 — This verse directly states that the handwriting of ordinances was blotted out and nailed to the cross.
Colossians 2:14 (KJV) declares: "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." This verse indicates that the written code of laws, which stood against humanity and was contrary to it, was removed by being nailed to the cross. Similarly, Romans 7:4 states that believers "are become dead to the law by the body of Christ." The law's condemnation is thereby ended for those who are in Christ, as the righteousness of God is now revealed "without the law" (Romans 3:21).
Les Feldick explains that the 'handwriting of ordinances' blotted out and nailed to the cross is the Law of Moses in all its ramifications, including the ceremonial rituals, animal sacrifices, priesthood robes, washings, and stringent demands. He emphasizes that when Christ died on the cross, the law's ordinances were nailed there as well, ending their power to condemn. Therefore, believers are no longer under the law but under grace, and the whole system of law was done away with after Christ's work of redemption.
Les Feldick identifies the 'handwriting of ordinances' as the Law of Moses, including all the ceremonial rituals and the Ten Commandments. He points to the severity of the law, where offences like picking up sticks on the Sabbath or adultery were punishable by death, showing how the law condemned all. This entire system was blotted out and nailed to the cross when Christ fulfilled it.
Since the law was nailed to the cross, believers are no longer under the law but under grace (Romans 6:14). Paul could say that 'all things are lawful' because there was no set law resting on his shoulders; the cross finished that. However, this freedom does not mean we are at liberty to sin, for we are to serve in newness of spirit.
Why Only Paul Uses the Term 'Body of Christ' — Bible Study
you�re going to be held accountable. Well we�re not even close to the end of these, I don�t believe. Now let�s go on into Colossians chapter 1. Let�s jump in at verse 15, and again this is simply showing the preeminence of the position of Christ, who is the head of the body. Verse 15. Colossians 1. He is the image of the invisible God.
Ordinances Nailed to the Cross
Les explains that all the ceremonial rituals of Israel (animal sacrifices, priestly robes, washings) were nailed to the cross, as part of the handwriting of ordinances.
The Law's Condemnation Removed
Les emphasizes the severity of the law (e.g., death for adultery) and that these ordinances were taken out of the way and nailed to the cross, ending their power to condemn.
The Law Defined
Les equates the handwriting of ordinances with the law in all its ramifications, including its inability to be kept, and its stringent demands.
God's Righteousness Explained — Romans 3 Verse by Verse
You're guilty. And then Jesus took the law even further. He took it to the place where nobody can wiggle out from under it. And He said, even if you think it, you've broken it. All right, read on, verse 21. But now, you know I'm always stressing that three-letter word, but, it's the flip side. Oh, under the law, all it could do was condemn.
Law Abolished
Les states that when Christ finished redemption, the whole system of law was done away with and abolished, being replaced by something far better.
Dead to the Law, Married to Christ — What Romans 7 Really Means
So now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held—in other words, crucified in the person of old Adam on the cross—that we should serve in newness of spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. Well, what's the letter? The law, the Ten Commandments. See how plain this is? All right, now then let's go back up to verse 4 for just a second.
Not Under Law, Under Grace
Les explains that the cross has finished the law, and we are not under law but under grace, meaning no set law rests on believers, yet we are not free to sin.
Colossians 2:14: 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;
The core verse directly stating the law was nailed to the cross.
Colossians 2:16: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Because the law is nailed to the cross, believers should not be judged over these matters.
Colossians 2:17: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
These ordinances were shadows pointing to Christ, who is the reality.
Colossians 2:15: And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
The cross was also the place of victory over spiritual powers.
Les Feldick teaches that it is the Law of Moses, including all its ceremonial rituals and the Ten Commandments. It was against us because of our inability to keep it, and its demands led to death. Christ nailed it to His cross, removing its power to condemn.
Les Feldick indicates that the law, including the Ten Commandments, was done away with at the cross. We are not under law but under grace, but this does not give license to sin; rather, it calls us to serve in newness of spirit.
Watch the Teaching: Why Only Paul Uses the Term 'Body of Christ' — Bible Study