Understanding Colossians 2:11-15: Spiritual Victory and the Law

Colossians 2:11-15

11 In 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 Christ:

12 Buried with him in baptism, where in also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

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

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;

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

Colossians 2:11-15 describes the transition from a system of shadowy, ceremonial ordinances to a life of spiritual completeness and victory through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 😇 This passage addresses the distinction between the eternal moral law and the temporary ceremonial system, the spiritual nature of true circumcision, and the triumph of Christ over the powers of darkness Colossians 2:11-15SITI April 22, 1886, page 247.1+1.

The Nature of True Circumcision

The circumcision mentioned in this passage is not a physical act performed by human hands, but a spiritual "putting off" of the carnal nature through Christ Colossians 2:11. While the literal rite was given to Abraham as a sign or seal of righteousness, it was only of value when connected to the observance of God's law Romans 4:11ARSH November 22, 1853, page 153.10.

• Heart Transformation: True circumcision is an operation of the Spirit on the heart, leading a person to worship God in spirit and have no confidence in the flesh Philippians 3:3SITI May 17, 1899, page 324.6+1.

• New Creation: In this new dispensation, outward signs are of no consequence compared to being a new creature and keeping the commandments of God 1 Corinthians 7:19+1.

• Burial and Resurrection: This change is symbolized by baptism, where the believer is buried with Christ and risen through faith, signifying the forgiveness of all trespasses Colossians 2:12-13GCB/GCDB 1895, page 365.2+1.

The "Handwriting of Ordinances" Nailed to the Cross

A central issue in these verses is the "handwriting of ordinances" that was blotted out and nailed to the cross Colossians 2:14. This refers specifically to the Levitical or ceremonial law, which was distinct from the Ten CommandmentsSITI April 22, 1886, page 247.1+2.

• Materials and Method: The Ten Commandments were engraved on stone by the finger of God and placed inside the ark, whereas the "handwriting" was written by Moses in a book and placed in the side of the ark Deuteronomy 10:4-5WWNC 3.2+1.

• Shadow vs. Reality: These ordinances, including meat offerings, drink offerings, and various ceremonial sabbath days, were shadows of things to come; they pointed to Christ and ceased to have any virtue once the true Sacrifice was made Colossians 2:16-17SITI April 22, 1886, page 247.1+2.

• The Law of Types: This system was a "yoke" and "contrary to us" because it served as a temporary restraint and a reminder of debt until the time of reformation Hebrews 9:10SITI April 22, 1886, page 247.1+2.

The Perpetual Moral Law

It is vital to distinguish these abolished ceremonies from the moral law of the Ten CommandmentsTWL 5.2+1.

• Enduring Nature: The moral law is holy, just, and good; it was not nailed to the cross because it would be absurd to speak of "nailing" stone tables or "blotting out" what is engraved in stoneSITI April 22, 1886, page 247.1+2.

• Christ's Example: Jesus did not come to destroy the moral law but to fulfill it, and He pointed His followers to the continued importance of the Decalogue long after His death Matthew 5:17-18SC3 162.3+1.

• Spiritual vs. Carnal: One code is "spiritual" and "royal," while the other is a "law of a carnal commandment" imposed only until Christ came Hebrews 7:16+1TWL 5.2+1.

Victory Over Principalities and Powers

Finally, the passage highlights Christ’s triumph over "principalities and powers," making a show of them openly Colossians 2:15.

• Spiritual Warfare: These powers represent the confederacy of evil and spiritual wickedness in high places that Christians must wrestle against Ephesians 6:126MR 9.2+1.

• Christ the Conqueror: Jesus met these satanic agencies and spoiled them, claiming the trophies of His victory and leading His people as the Captain of their salvation21MR 271.5+2.

• Protection for the Believer: Because Christ is the head of all principality and power, those who are complete in Him need not fear the wiles of the devil as they wear the whole armor of God Ephesians 6:11ST September 15, 1898, par. 11+1.