User: Hello, Since most pastors say that Paul teaches that God's laws "have been nailed to the cross" and no longer in effect (Colossians 2:14) . Will Paul be called "the Least" in the kingdom of heaven along with these pastors according to the statement made by Jesus in Matthew 5:19?

AI Assistant: Hello! Let's carefully consider this question through a biblical lens, focusing on the teachings as interpreted by Scripture.

Firstly, it is important to understand what Paul means when he says that God's laws "have been nailed to the cross" (Colossians 2:14). The primary context here is about removing the sacrificial system and physical ordinances that were meant for a specific time in history. These were pointing toward the future sacrifice of Christ, but they are no longer necessary for believers in Him.

In Colossians 2:8-13, Paul states:
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:  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:  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses"

Paul's focus is not on abolishing God's laws but rather on the change in how they are applied through Christ's atonement. The Law is seen as still valid in Romans 3:31 "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."

Now, regarding Jesus' statement in Matthew 5:19:
"Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

This passage speaks about the importance of keeping God's commandments. It does not suggest that any commandment can be disregarded or that Paul taught such a thing. Jesus is emphasizing the seriousness with which we should treat God's commands.

Paul himself affirms this point:
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20)

Therefore, Paul teaches that faith in Christ brings a new perspective on how to approach and understand God's laws, but he does not teach that these laws are nullified or made obsolete.

In conclusion, if any pastor or teacher is teaching that the commandments of God have been abolished, they would indeed be misinterpreting Paul's teachings and Jesus' commands. It is important to hold onto a balanced understanding of Scripture where both Christ's work on the cross and the eternal validity of God's commandments are upheld.

User: So to clarify, all the Pastors and Christians who say that Paul teaches that God's laws "have been nailed to the cross" and no longer in effect will be called "the Least" in the kingdom of heaven?

AI Assistant:To clarify this further:

Peter's warning about misunderstandings of Paul's epistles is found in 2 Peter 3:15-16.

"And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."

In this passage, Peter warns believers about potential misunderstandings and misinterpretations of Paul's letters. He notes that there are some parts of Paul's writings that might be difficult to understand, even for those who have a strong theological background (the "educated" or "learned" ones). This does not mean that these passages are erroneous but rather that they require careful study and interpretation.

Peter encourages believers to handle Paul's letters with care and to seek understanding through the wisdom given by the Holy Spirit. This means engaging with the text prayerfully, seeking guidance from other Scripture, and considering the overall context and themes of Paul's teachings.

Paul's Teachings on the Law:

Paul's statement in Colossians 2:14 "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" does not teach that all of God's laws are abolished or made null and void by Christ's death on the cross. Paul emphasizes that the curse of sin and death, which is exposed by the law of God, is nailed to the cross by Christ's sacrifice along with the sacrificial system and physical ordinances, as Christ was now the sacrifice for our sins.

Jesus' Teachings in Matthew 5:17-19 states:

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven". 

Jesus emphasizes that heaven and earth would have to pass away before the law was nullified solidifying the importance of keeping God's commandments and not relaxing any of them. He speaks of those who teach others to relax even one of the least commandments as being "called least in the kingdom of heaven."

Application to Pastors and Christians:
If any pastor or Christian teaches that all of God's laws are nullified by Christ's death, they would indeed be misinterpreting both Paul's and Jesus' teachings. Such an interpretation would align more with legalism or antinomianism (the belief that the law is irrelevant), which contradicts the clear teaching in Scripture.

Conclusion:
Based on Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:19, those who misinterpret Paul's writings and teach that God's laws are no longer in effect would be considered "least" in the kingdom of heaven.