Slideshow image
[Radio Broadcast Thursday April 6, 2017] 

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

Colossians 2:14, 15.

It's hard to let go. Whether it is a precious memory, a home where you have grown up or a routine that you followed over your lifetime. It takes something radical to force us to change. Infirmity, financial hardship, bereavement perhaps, or some other circumstances beyond our control may all force us to let go of things so dear. The Jew's way of worship was more than sacred, it was also nostalgic. For Levitical worship to end, it took the death of the Son of God, for at the death of Christ the cumbersome and demanding routine ordinances of priestly worship with its twice daily sacrifices, burning of lamps, and smoking incense along with the display of shew-bread etc. etc., were all nailed to Jesus' cross.
What did the apostle mean when he used this language - "nailing it to his cross?" It means that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross at Calvary in AD 33 totally wiped out the requirement to worship God by Jewish Levitical ordinances.  God's New Testament people look to the cross-work of Christ alone as their way to find acceptance with God.  Not that there ever was merit in those Levitical things. They only helped the Old Testament people to look forward to their Messiah - the One who would be cut off out of the land of the living. The One who would reconcile men to God by His stripes and wounds, just as Isaiah said.  "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, by His stripes we are healed."
By suffering an agonising death and by shedding His blood on the cross, Jesus opened up a way for sinners to approach God in peace and joy. He is the mediator between God and men. To Him, we come with our sins. To Him, we pray and seek grace and help in our time of need.
We rejoice in His triumphant death purchasing full salvation for His people. The cross was Jesus' mighty machine to clear a path to lead men into the way to heaven. There are no more obstacles for you to hurdle over. Simply come by faith and rest your case in the work of Christ's cross. Come as you are, a sinner in need of mercy and you will be saved. Come as often as you will. There are no set times now. You need no earthly priest, Jesus is your ever-living and ever-willing advocate now. He that laid down his life on the cross and rose again on the third day is presently seated at the right hand of God displaying His own blood that was shed on that cross. It's effectual power lives on.
 
One more thing. Our text goes on to say that on that cross Jesus not only nailed Old Testament ceremonialism, He also put the devil to flight, "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it" (Col 2:15). As a victor in war, the Lord Jesus stripped the devil of all his powers. Our Christ broke Satan's power by defeating him totally.  
When we learn of the success of Christ in His fight against Satan and all that he has accomplished for sinners: life, liberty and lasting friendship with God it makes it easier to let go of the old life. The book of Hebrews teaches that Christians in the New Testament have a better sacrifice, a better covenant, a better mediator and better promises. When you live in a humble cottage, built of crumbling stones and rotting planks, and then become an heir to a mansion you can look forward to moving house. Then change is good. To let go of all that keeps you from clinging to Christ's cross is the right thing for with Christ the future is as bright as the promises of God. With the cross before us, nothing can be against us.
  1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
    I have decided to follow Jesus;
    I have decided to follow Jesus;
    No turning back, no turning back.
  2. Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
    Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
    Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
    No turning back, no turning back.
  3. The world behind me, the cross before me;
    The world behind me, the cross before me;
    The world behind me, the cross before me;
    No turning back, no turning back.
  4. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
    Though none go with me, still I will follow;
    Though none go with me, still I will follow;
    No turning back, no turning back.
  5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
    Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
    Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
    No turning back, no turning back.