The question of whether the Law of Yahuah (God) was nailed to the cross is one that has been debated for centuries. It has led many to misunderstand the relationship between Yeshua’s sacrifice and the Torah, the Law. In this exploration, we will examine key Scriptures, especially Matthew 5:18, Colossians 2:14, and the teachings of Paul and Peter, to uncover a deeper understanding of what was actually nailed to the cross, and what remains for us today.
Matthew 5:18: Yeshua’s Affirmation of the Law
Yeshua, in Matthew 5:18, made a clear statement regarding the law:
'Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yod or a stroke will pass from the Torah — not until everything that must happen has happened.' (Matthew 5:18)
In the King James Version, you may be familiar with the phrase '...not one jot or one tittle...', which can be confusing. These terms refer to the smallest Hebrew letters and markings in the Torah. The 'jot' refers to the letter yod, the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, and the 'tittle' or 'stroke' refers to the small decoration or adornment on the letter yod. In some cases, the 'tittle' has been described as a small curve that resembles a ram’s horn—often likened to a shofar.
Yeshua’s statement, 'not a yod or a thorn of a yod,' is a well-known Hebrew expression which translates to 'not the most insignificant or unimportant thing.' Essentially, Yeshua was affirming the complete sanctity and permanence of God’s word. He was not there to do away with the Law but to fulfill it, bringing the Scriptures to their full meaning and purpose. Yeshua’s coming was to bring the Torah to its fulfillment, not to abolish it.
Colossians 2:14: What Was Nailed to the Cross?
One of the most quoted Scriptures in the debate about the law being nailed to the cross is Colossians 2:14:
'Having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.' (Colossians 2:14)
Many believe this verse indicates that the entirety of the law was done away with through Yeshua’s sacrifice. However, if that were true, we would not need a Savior at all. The purpose of Yeshua’s death was not to nullify the law, but to bring atonement for our sins. The law reveals sin, but the sacrifice of Yeshua provides redemption.
A deeper study of this passage reveals that it is not the Torah (God's law) that was nailed to the cross, but rather the 'written code,' referring to the laws and regulations that were against us—specifically, the penalty for our sins and the ordinances that could not justify us. These were the things that were nailed to the cross, not the eternal commandments of Yahuah.
What Was Actually Nailed to the Cross?
It’s clear that Yeshua’s death brought about the fulfillment of the law, not its abolition. The law (Torah) remains vital for guiding believers in how to live in accordance with God’s will. So, what was actually nailed to the cross? It was the penalty for breaking the law—the condemnation that came from not being able to perfectly follow the law. Yeshua took that penalty upon Himself, making it possible for those who trust in Him to be forgiven and receive eternal life.
Paul’s Writings and the Law
Paul’s letters are often used to justify living in rebellion against the Torah, particularly by those who believe they are 'free' from the law through grace. Some even use Paul’s writings as an excuse to live in sin, indulging in things like eating forbidden foods (e.g., bacon) or engaging in immoral behaviors (e.g., pornography). However, it’s crucial to consider Peter’s warning about Paul’s letters in 2 Peter 3:16:
'Indeed, he speaks about these things in all his letters. They contain some things that are hard to understand, things which the uninstructed and unstable distort, to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.' (2 Peter 3:16)
The apostle Peter himself acknowledges that Paul’s writings can be easily misunderstood and misapplied. This is why it is essential to approach Paul’s letters with discernment and not take them as a license to sin. When read in context, Paul’s teachings consistently emphasize that faith in Yeshua does not lead to lawlessness but rather empowers believers to live in obedience to God’s commands through the Holy Spirit.
The Role of the Law in Our Lives
1 Corinthians 1:25 reminds us that, 'For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.' This verse reminds us that our understanding is limited, and we must be open to the wisdom and guidance of Yahuah’s word. We are to be like teachable children, humbling ourselves and relying on his Holy Spirit for understanding.
Matthew 18:2-5 echoes this sentiment:
'Yahusha called a little child to stand among them. 3 “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like teachable children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.' (Matthew 18:2-4)
Conclusion: Understanding What Was Nailed to the Cross
Ultimately, the law of Yahuah remains in effect, and Yeshua did not come to destroy it but to fulfill it. What was nailed to the cross was the penalty for breaking the law—the death sentence that sin incurred. Through Yeshua’s death and resurrection, we are offered grace, forgiveness, and the empowerment to live according to God’s will. Understanding this distinction is crucial in how we view the law and the sacrifice of Yeshua. He fulfilled the law’s requirements on our behalf, and through Him, we are made righteous and able to walk in obedience to God’s commandments.
As we grow in understanding, it is important to stay humble and teachable, seeking wisdom from the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) and approaching God’s word with a childlike faith and dependence.
That being said there was a teaching done years ago that I happened to find that explains this better than anything I have heard/read to date.