Table of Contents
Colossians 2:14-17
Colossians 2:14-17 abolishes only the yearly sabbath feasts (Leviticus 23) of the Mosaic Law which were “a shadow of things to come” and not with the weekly seventh-day Sabbath of God’s Moral law (Ten Commandments-Exodus 20). Let’s read the passage:
“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; … 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: Which are a shadow of things to come” (Colossians 2: 14, 16, 17).
Two Laws
Please note that the Bible presents two separate laws: Moses’ laws and God’s laws (Deuteronomy 4:13,14; 2 Kings 21:8; Daniel 9:11).
| MOSES’ LAW |
| Called “the law of Moses” (Luke 2:22). |
| Called “law … contained in ordinances” (Ephesians 2:15). |
| Written by Moses in a book (2 Chronicles 35:12). |
| Placed outside the ark (Deuteronomy 31:26). |
| Ended at the cross (Ephesians 2:15). |
| Added because of sin (Galatians 3:19). |
| Contrary to us, against us (Colossians 2:14). |
| Judges no one (Colossians 2:14-16). |
| Carnal (Hebrews 7:16). |
| GOD’S LAW |
| Called “the law of the Lord” (Isaiah 5:24). |
| Called Ten Commandments-“the royal law” (James 2:8). |
| Written by God on stone (Exodus 31:18; 32:16). |
| Placed inside the ark (Exodus 40:20). |
| Will stand forever (Luke 16:17). |
| Points out sin (Romans 7:7; 3:20). |
| Not grievous (1 John 5:3). |
| Judges all people (James 2:10-12). |
| Spiritual (Romans 7:14). |
| Perfect (Psalms 19:7). |
The Mosaic law was the temporary, ceremonial law of the Old Testament. It regulated the priesthood, sacrifices, feasts, rituals, meat and drink offerings, etc., all of which foreshadowed and ended at the cross. There were seven yearly holy days, or holidays, in ancient Israel which were also called sabbaths. These were in addition to, or “beside the Sabbaths of the Lord” (Leviticus 23:38), or seventh-day Sabbath.
This law was added “till the seed should come,” and that seed was Christ (Galatians 3:16, 19). The rituals and sacrifices of Moses’ law pointed forward to Christ’s sacrifice. When He died, this law came to an end.
God’s law has existed at least as long as sin has existed. The Bible says, “Where no law is, there is no transgression [or sin]” (Romans 4:15). For “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4).
God’s Moral Law Lasts Forever
The Ten Commandments (God’s law) “stand fast for ever and ever” (Psalms 111:8). And Paul makes it clear that God’s moral law is still binding: “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Romans 7:7). And he adds, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law?” (Romans 3:31).
Paul further emphasizes that the Circumcision of the Mosaic law is abolished at the Cross but keeping God’s commandments remains for ever binding: “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God” (1 Corinthians 7:19).
Jesus declares that He is Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8) and that His law can’t change, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18). Then, He invites His followers to keep His law saying, “If you love me keep my commandments” (John 14:15). And John adds, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3, 4).
For more on the Sabbath, check (Lessons 91-102) of our Bible Lessons.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
