What was nailed to the cross?
The Bible states in Col. 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.” This verse tells
us what Christ did. He blotted out the handwriting of
ordinances. This “handwriting of ordinances” is described as
being “against us” and “contrary to us.” Christ “took it
(handwriting of ordinances) out of the way.” How? The text
states, “nailing it to his cross.” Therefore, that which was
nailed to the cross of Christ was “the handwriting of
ordinances.” This is a clear allusion to the Law of Moses.
Therefore, it was the Law of Moses that was blotted out and
taken away by being nailed to the cross of Christ. Heb. 10:9
is parallel to this, wherein the inspired writer declared, “Then
said he (Christ), Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh
away the first, that he may establish the second” (Heb. 10:9).
“The first” has reference to the Mosaical covenant. “The
second” refers to Christ’s covenant.
In Col. 2, Paul drew a conclusion in v. 16. We see this
from the word “therefore.” “Let no man therefore judge you in
meat, or in drink, or in respect to a holyday, or of the new moon,
or of the sabbath days:” Because it is the case that the
handwriting of ordinances has been taken out of the way by
being nailed to the cross, “Let no man therefore judge you.”
Of special note is the mention of “Sabbath days.” The
Sabbath days, including the seventh day of the week (our
Saturday) is obviously included. Those who advocate that
the seventh day is still binding are in error. The Law of
Moses, which included the keeping of the Sabbath day (and
all other Sabbaths), has been nailed to the cross. The day of
worship under the Law of Christ is the first day of the week
(Acts 20:7; I Cor. 16:1-2).