Information Related to "What Was 'Wiped Out' by Jesus Christ's Death?"
| Audio/Video |
The inadequate and misleading translation of a passage in Colossians 2 in some Bible versions is often used to support the flawed belief that God's law was "wiped out" by Jesus Christ who is improperly alleged to have "taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross" (using the words of verse 14).
The verse in question is Colossians 2:14, which refers to Christ "having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." Does this say that God's law was wiped out or nailed to the cross, as many contend?
Let us first note that God's law is not something that is "against us." On the contrary, it is " holy, and just and good" (Romans 7:12). Scripture always refers to it being a blessing to humankind (see "God's Law: Is It a Burden or a Blessing?").
Christ did indeed take out of the way something that was nailed to His cross. But that something was the record of our sins-our transgressions-not God's law. A careful look at Paul's original wording in the Greek proves this to be true.
The Greek word translated as "having wiped out" or "blotting out" (KJV) or "having canceled" (NASB) in Colossians 2:14 is exaleipho. It means "to wash, or to smear completely . . . to wipe away, wipe off, obliterate" (Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, 1985, "blot out").
Related Information on UCG Sites:
Colossians:
