Focused Scripture study 7 of 20

Colossians 2:14: What Was Nailed to the Stake?

Read Colossians 2:13-15 and distinguish the handwriting against us from YAHUAH's righteous instruction.

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Source Scripture

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Colossians 2:13-15

13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

14Blotting 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;

15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Question in context

The passage joins forgiveness, the removal of what stood against us, and Messiah's triumph over principalities and powers. The curated study identifies the hostile record against sinners rather than redefining YAHUAH's righteous instruction as the enemy.

What the passage itself says

  1. Verse 13 begins with those dead in sins and the forgiveness of trespasses.
  2. The item removed is described as against us and contrary to us, language that must be read with the debt and condemnation created by transgression.
  3. The paragraph ends with triumph over hostile powers, not with a declaration that YAHUAH's own righteousness was evil.

Immediate and confirming witnesses

Read these passages with the source Scripture to follow the immediate and confirming context.

  • Immediate explanation: Colossians 2:13,15
    The immediate subject is forgiveness of trespasses and victory over hostile powers, identifying the removed document as debt and condemnation.
  • Lexical usage: Matthew 6:12,14-15
    YAHUSHA uses debt language for sins and forgiveness, clarifying the moral record that stands against the sinner.
  • Prophetic purpose: Isaiah 43:25
    YAHUAH promises to blot out transgressions, matching cancellation of the record rather than cancellation of righteous law.
  • Apostolic confirmation: Romans 8:1-4
    Paul confirms that condemnation is removed in Messiah so the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in Spirit-led believers.

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