THE CROSS OF CHRIST

"The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God" -- 1 Corinthians 1:18

Devotion 8 of 13

THE BASIS FOR CONDEMNATION REMOVED

"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" (Col 2:14 KJV).

The "handwriting of ordinances" is not synonymous with the ten commandments. Jesus did not blot out the ten commandments. He made it clear that He did not come to "destroy" the law, forbidding us to even think such a thing (Matt 5:17). The law is still "for the lawless," and is "good, if a man use it lawfully" (1 Tim 1:8-9). What, then, was "blotted out?"

The "handwriting of ordinances" is the law in its implicatory aspects. It is the Law as a covenant: "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them" (Rom 10:5). This was the practical aspect of the Law, and it was the point in which "every man" failed--utterly failed. No person is "alive unto God" upon the basis of law, or doing. Our "righteousnesses," or our expressions at their best, "are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away" (Isa 64:6). Rather than law becoming a basis for acceptance, it became the occasion for condemnation.

On the cross, Jesus blotted out the indebtedness we had incurred through disobedience. He removed the law in its condemning capacity, and brought an end to its ruthless rule. The Law as a basis for righteousness was ended when Jesus offered Himself to God (Rom 10:4).

This was accomplished by Jesus bearing our sins in His body on the tree of cursing. As it is written; "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed" (1 Pet 2:24 RSV). Having removed our sins, the law could no longer condemn us. We, in the body of Christ, became "dead to the law," that we might be "married" to Him, and "bring forth fruit unto God" (Rom 7:4). Praise God, the basis for condemnation was "blotted out" on the cross. The debt was fully paid and we were released from condemnation.

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ I thank You for the liquidation of my debt and conferment of Your righteousness.

-- Tomorrow: