I’m quoting from the NIV since this is the version most cited.
Col 2:13,14 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
The words “written code” or “ordinances” in some translations is where we get into trouble. Some take this as meaning Moses’ laws or the written moral code. But if that’s so, then this presents major problems because there’s a whole lot of verses in the bible that contradict this. So let’s just look up this word and see what it means:
“written code” – cheirographon – Strongs 5497
a handwriting, bond
a handwritten document, legal note
certificate of debt
In other words, everything we do and say is written down in heaven’s books or scrolls. Every sin we’ve ever committed are recorded which are revealed on Judgment Day. If you are uncircumcised, or unsaved, then you have a debt to pay since you didn’t allow Yeshua (Jesus) to pay your debt for you. Therefore, on Judgment Day, which is heaven’s court, a legal document will be presented listing all of your sins (debts) that are against you and will condemn you to eternal fire.
However, if you are circumcised, or saved, then this legal document which lists your sins will not be presented in heaven’s court because you have allowed Yeshua to pay the debt for you. THAT is what was nailed to the cross. The written decree or ordinance that was against you.
Here are some other examples with this idea in mind:
Psalm 51:1 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord..
Here is another verse cited:
Eph 2:15 …Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances... (KJV)
The commandment of death is built into that ordinance when you sin. (wages of sin is death Romans 6:23) But He abolished that death decree which the Law dictates IF you are His. So yes you could say that the Law was abolished but not the Law itself, but the sentence to carry out the penalty, which the Law dictates.
Hopefully you can see from scripture, (and not from my opinion) what is meant by abolishing the law. By the way, the “law” is not as scary as many think. It means “instruction” or “Torah.” If you have rules in your house, you could say you have Torah. The Law/Torah blesses (those who obey), curses (those who disobey) and shows us our sins. It either works for you or against you. Either you choose to sin, or you choose to obey. It’s up to you.