Colossians 2:14-23 The Royal Law of Christ

Wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no one therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day, which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s. Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshiping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God’s growth. If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances, “Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch” (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men? Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren't of any value against the indulgence of the flesh? The Jews in Jesus day had over 600 laws of human behavior. But in reality we are saved by grace and not by works. It is a gift of God, not work of men so that nobody can boast. When Adam fell into sin, all of mankind inherited a sin nature and were separated by God. The Jews in an effort to please a holy God imposed mountains of laws on a flesh that was flawed. If we could please God, Jesus taking the form of man would be unnecessary. But God in his wisdom and great love sent his only son so that whoever believes in him and his finished work on the cross will not perish, but will inherit everlasting life. Jesus simplified the law by telling us that there are only two requirements. 1) Love the lord your God will all your strength and might and 2) love your neighbor as yourself against which there is no law. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved and thy house. Amen.