The so-called "new commandments" that we often hear about should not be viewed as a replacement for the original 10 Commandments that were given to Moses. Instead, these teachings can be understood as an essential expansion of the moral and ethical framework laid out in those ancient laws, with a particular focus on the commandment to "love one another," which Jesus articulates to his followers throughout the New Testament. It is essential to recognize that the original 10 Commandments are not only acknowledged but also reaffirmed within the New Testament, where Jesus prioritizes love for God and love for our fellow human beings as the ultimate expressions of fulfilling the law.
Matthew 22:36-40
King James Version
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
When we delve deeper into the New Testament's perspective on the Ten Commandments, it becomes clear that love is the cornerstone of moral and ethical living. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus outlines what he considers the greatest commandments—commandments that encapsulate the essence of all the law and the prophets. He states that we are to love God with every fiber of our being, our heart, soul, and mind, and we are to treat our neighbors with the same love and respect we afford ourselves. In this way, Jesus beautifully distills the complexities of religious obligation into the simple yet profound essence of love.
Moreover, Jesus’ teachings convey that the law he came to uphold is not meant to be discarded or diminished. He explicitly states in the Gospel that he did not come to abolish the law but rather to fulfill it. Throughout his ministry, he reiterates the principles enshrined in the 10 Commandments, clearly demonstrating their ongoing relevance. Each commandment, particularly the first four that guide our relationship with God, and the remaining six that direct our conduct toward our neighbors, exemplify how we can express our love for the Almighty and for those around us.
Furthermore, it's vital to highlight that the New Testament introduces what is known as the New Covenant through Christ. This covenant does not serve as a dismissal of the Old Testament laws but rather as their fulfillment, creating a deeper and more profound relationship between humanity and the divine. Through Jesus’ life and teachings, he redefines what it means to abide by these commandments, illustrating that true obedience is rooted not merely in following rules but in cultivating a heart that reflects love and compassion.
In conclusion, the teachings of Jesus invite us to move beyond mere compliance with legalistic interpretations of the law and toward a life characterized by genuine love—both for God and for each other. This harmonious relationship between the old and the new commands serves as a guiding principle for moral conduct in the lives of believers, encouraging them to embody the love that Jesus exemplified and taught throughout his ministry.
In the book of Colossians 2:14, as translated in the King James Version (KJV), we encounter a profound statement regarding the "handwriting of ordinances"—a phrase that signifies the ceremonial and legal laws outlined in the Old Testament. This scripture articulates a pivotal moment in Christian theology, where these laws were metaphorically "nailed to the cross." This act serves as a powerful symbol indicating that through the death of Christ, the law found its ultimate fulfillment, thereby relinquishing its role as a source of condemnation for humanity. It’s crucial to grasp that this does not imply the law was annihilated or rendered irrelevant; rather, it highlights how Jesus’s sacrificial death met the stipulations of the law, thereby abolishing its ceremonial aspects and ushering in a new covenant grounded in grace and faith.
Colossians 2:14
King James Version
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
Let’s delve deeper into what precisely was "nailed to the cross" and the implications for believers today.
Understanding the "Handwriting of Ordinances"
• The term "handwriting of ordinances" embodies the extensive legal code established in the Old Testament, rich with intricate ceremonial laws, moral directives, and a comprehensive list of sins— transgressions which, if committed, carried the penalty of death. These ordinances were not just mere rules; they encapsulated the spiritual and ethical standards set forth by God for His people.
• Beyond simply being a list, these ordinances served as a symbolic debt that stood against humanity, an accusation that echoed our shortcomings and sinfulness. They were contrary to our very nature, consistently reminding us of our inability to attain perfect righteousness on our own.
• By being nailed to the cross, Jesus effectively canceled this monumental debt. In doing so, he not only removed the barriers that separated us from God but also abolished the legal ramifications that could have condemned us. This monumental act signified that the law’s power to condemn had been rendered powerless.
Significance for Modern Christians
• Fulfillment versus Destruction: One of the foundational truths of Christianity is that Jesus did not come to obliterate the law; instead, he came to fulfill it. His life was characterized by perfect obedience to its moral dimensions, while his sacrificial death satisfied the demands of its ceremonial laws that pointed toward his own future sacrifice.
• Abolition of Ceremonial Laws: The ceremonial laws, which included various sacrifices, religious rituals, and even certain dietary restrictions except the eating of unclean food considered an an abomination, were intended to direct attention to Christ as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. These regulations were temporary in nature, designed to prepare hearts for the coming of the Messiah. Upon his arrival and through his ultimate sacrifice, these ceremonial mandates were rendered obsolete and replaced by Christ’s all-encompassing act of love.
• Transition to the New Covenant: The death of Jesus on the cross symbolizes a significant transition from the Old Covenant—characterized by the law and ritual—to the New Covenant grounded in grace accessible through faith in Christ. This new way fosters a personal relationship with God, emphasizing heartfelt devotion rather than mere adherence to rules.
• Freedom from Condemnation: For Christians, understanding that we are free from the condemnation previously associated with the ritual law is liberating. Because Jesus willingly paid the debt of our sins, the so-called “arrest warrant” issued by the law has been permanently canceled and figuratively affixed to the cross. Consequently, believers can now live in the freedom of grace, unencumbered by the fear of penalty or judgment.
However, it is vital to note that the moral underpinnings of the law, particularly encapsulated in the Ten Commandments, have not been disregarded or “nailed to the cross.” Instead, they continue to carry significance and provide ethical guidance in the life of a Christian. Obedience to these commandments is seen not as a burdensome obligation, but as a genuine expression of faith—a tangible manifestation of a life transformed by the grace of Christ. In embracing this truth, believers become empowered to live out their faith actively, reflecting God's love and righteousness in a world that desperately needs it.
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