It Is Abolished
I still remember when Ronald Reagan was president of the United States of America and Gorbechov was the leader os the Soviet Union. I remember how Reagan declared at the Berlin Wall, a wall that separated West Germany from East Germany at the time. Reagan declared, "Mr. Gorbechov, tear down this wall!" When the wall came down, the people from each side came through the opening and embraced and celebrated, because they were no longer separated.
The word abolished is a strong English word that was used to interpret the Greek word katargeo, meaning to abolish, cease, destroy, do away, put away, make void.
The English dictionary definition of 'abolish' as a verb means to formally put an end to (a system, practice, or institution).
So, what is the "It" that was abolished?
Ephesians 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
The "It" was the law of commandments contained in ordinances.
How did Jesus abolish the law of commandments contained in ordinances? By the offering of His flesh as a sacrifice on the cross.
Why did He do such a thing? To create one new man from both Jews and Gentiles. To make the process of reconciliation equal for all, regardless of natural heritage. Thus making peace a reality.
This peace was brought through the cross, the instrument of peace that all men and women are to look to for their inclusion. By doing this, He removed special privilege due to race or heritage.
Christ upon that cross was the end of the law for righteousness.
Just as Paul taught the church at Rome.
Romans 10:2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
The middle wall of separation was the Law of Moses, which was exclusive to the Jewish people. It set them apart from all other peoples referred to as the Gentiles. It was the method of relating to God during its time, but its time came to a close once Christ died and established His new Covenant by His own blood. The law is abolished as being in any way used to make anyone right with God or to maintain being right once made so by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Have you concluded it is abolished?
