Note 9 at Eph. 2:15: The word "abolished" is a very strong word. The Greek word which was translated "abolished" here is KATARGEO, meaning "to be (render) entirely idle (useless)." The dictionary defines "abolished" as "to do away with; put and end to." Paul is saying that the Old Testament law, which divided between Jew and Gentile, was entirely useless in relating to God now (see notes 3-4 at Rom. 3:19, p. 757).

Some people proclaim that only the ceremonial parts of the law such as feast days, dietary laws, etc. were done away with, but that is not so. James 2:10 says, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." The Old Testament law had many ordinances but combined, they made one law. Failure to comply with any one point of the law was failure to comply with all the law. Likewise, doing away with any one point of the law was doing away with all the law.

Of course, it must be understood that the Old Testament law still has a purpose. The purpose of the law always was, and continues to be, to show us our sin and lead us to a savior (see note 4 at Rom. 3:19, p. 757). When used for this purpose the law is good (see note 14 at Rom. 3:31, p. 760). But to use the law as a standard by which we can make ourselves worthy to receive from God is wrong.

The law did provide justification for one man, Jesus. He kept every detail of the law and was justified by His actions. But having obtained justification for us through the law, he abolished that function of the law forever and now offers justification with God on the basis of faith in His grace (see note 19 at v. 8, p. 1103).

Note 10 at Eph. 2:15: Paul clearly states here that in Christ we are new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17). There is no longer the distinction of Jew and Gentile but we are all one new creation in Christ. All believers are Christians. It is okay to enjoy and appreciate our physical heritage in its proper place. But when it comes to our relationship with the Lord and other members of the body of Christ, there should be no ethnic distinctions. Those who promote ethnic distinctions among the body of Christ are not following the spirit of what Paul is saying here (see notes 1-2 at 1 Cor. 1:10, p. 860).