A major part of the denominations in Christianity agree that the "handwriting of ordinances" in Colossians 2:14 is the law.
Seventh-day Adventists, however, cleverly divide the law into two parts: Moral and Ceremonial.
The theological premise for this whole argument rests on the meaning of the phrase "handwriting of ordinances".
Can we prove from the Scriptures that the handwriting of ordinances is, in fact, the ceremonial law?
If Paul truly meant to say that the ceremonial law was done away with and he was referring to it with the phrase "Handwriting of
Ordinances", then he should be referencing that law in the Torah (5 books of Moses / Genesis-Deuteronomy) because that’s where the
ceremonial law is defined.
Handwriting of Ordinances in Greek is "Cheirographon Tois Dogmasin"
Cheirographon = Handwriting
Dogmasin (Dogma) = Ordinances (KJV)
Now, we just need to prove that this is referring to the Ceremonial Law. But how do we find a Greek word in the First Covenant that is written
in Aramaic or Hebrew?
(very important note: Both the First Covenant and the Renewed Covenant were originally written in Aramaic and/or Iḇrim (Hebrew). It is
likely the Greek translation came after that in order to be able to convey the Scriptures to other peoples and it is very likely therein lies the
problem of some translation from the Septuigent later on (or prior to), introducing pagan names and words because it is believed or understood we
see instances where Yahusha read from (in the synagogues) or qouted from the Septuagint. It is very likely that both Yahusha and the Talmids
(Apostles) simply refused to speak the names of false mighty ones if they were found within the Septuagint.) Remember, Romans had taken over
Yerushalayim and possibly all of Yisra'ĕl by this time, and it is likely they did not want or allow anything spoken in public without them knowing
what was being spoken.
We simply need to review the Scriptures that the Talmid (Apostle) Sha'ul (Paul) and the Greek speaking Yisra'ĕlites were using for the sake of the
Romans and other non-Yisra'ĕlite people, known as the Septuagint.
"The New Testament writers also relied heavily on the Septuagint, as a majority of Old Testament quotes cited in the New Testament are quoted
directly from the Septuagint" - Septuagint.net "Influence on Christianity"
The Septuagint as it is today is a Greek translation or transliteration of the Scripturees. We must keep in mind that in that time and day there
were mainly two languages, Aramaic or Iḇrim (Hebrew) for the Yisra'ĕlites and Latin or Greek for the Romans and the Torah was originally written
in Aramaic and/or Iḇrim (Hebrew) language for the Yisra'ĕlites. Sha'ul (Paul) was not an exception, as he was of the Yisra'ĕlite Aramaic and/or
Iḇrim, and frequently quoted the Torah in many of his writings.
Handwriting of Ordinances in Greek is "Cheirographon Tois Dogmasin"
Cheirographon = Handwriting
Dogmasin (Dogma) = Ordinances (KJV)
Now, we just need to prove that this is referring to the Ceremonial Law, if that is the case.
Paul wouldn’t just invent random words for the law. If he’s talking about a law found in the Torah, he would use the terms for that law as found
in the Torah. However, the words "Dogmasin" or "Dogma" do not even appear once in the Greek version of the Torah. The word for
law found there is Nomos.
So where did Sha'ul get the expression "Handwriting of Ordinances" and what does it mean?
It doesn’t have any clear reference to
any sort of law in the First Covenant
Let’s go back to the Colossians text and read it in context. Maybe that will give us a clue as to what
Sha'ul is talking about.
(looking closer this time)
Qolasim (Colassal) Collossians 2:11-14In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the
body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of the Messiah: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith
of the operation of YHWH, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he
quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 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; (RNKJV)
Qolasim (Colassal) Collossians 2:11-14 having been buried with Him in immersion, in which you also were raised with Him through
the belief in the working of YHWH, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your
flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you of all trespasses, having blotted out the handwriting against us - by the dogmas -
which stood against us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the stake. (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Paul uses metaphors in Colossians 2...
A metaphor is defined as a direct comparison between two or more seemingly unrelated subjects. They usually have no meaning outside the culture to
which they belong.
As an example, the metaphor "Couch Potato" doesn’t make much sense in other cultures.
uncircumcision of your flesh - (was a refusal to willingly do Yah’s will, to live accoring to His Commandments, and was living in the temptation of
the flesh)
buried with Him in immersion - (baptism = a washing away of sin)
The context is of being forgiven our trespasses and being a new creature in the Mashiah!
What about "having blotted out the handwriting against us - by the dogmas - which stood against us"? Is that a Metaphor as well?
Let’s see what we can find.
"Cheirographon Tois Dogmasin"
Cheirographon = Handwriting
Let’s look deeper into this handwriting…
Receipt Spike
Originated from the practice of canceling debts by driving a spike through the certificate of debt, after which it could no longer be held against
the debtor.
Roman crucifixions consisted of some basic elements, all perfectly described in the account of the crucifixion of the Mashiah.
First, the scourging; (it was not a normal practice to both scourge and crucify)
The carrying of the beam which the arms are fixed to (as well as the stake itself?) by the condemned to the site;
Then the nailing or binding of the condemned to the beam
Then finally attaching this beam onto the upright post and setting it up.
(but wait, there’s more…)
Another element was also involved. In order to be a deterrent, the crime of the victim had to be posted in clear sight of the
passers-by. For this purpose, they used a board covered with gypsum inscribed with black letters called a titilus. This was usually carried ahead
of the victim on the way to the crucifixion, and then posted above and/or near the stake in clear sight.
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