For Christ is the end of the lawThis phrase indicates the culmination of the Mosaic Law with the coming of Christ. The term "end" can be understood as both the termination and the fulfillment of the law's purpose. In
Matthew 5:17, Jesus states that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, suggesting that the law pointed towards Him. The law served as a tutor to lead us to Christ (
Galatians 3:24), highlighting humanity's need for a savior due to the impossibility of achieving righteousness through the law alone. The sacrificial system, moral codes, and ceremonial laws all find their completion in Christ, who embodies the perfect sacrifice and righteousness.
to bring righteousness
Righteousness here refers to a right standing before God, which the law could not achieve due to human sinfulness (Romans 3:20). Christ's life, death, and resurrection provide the means for this righteousness, which is imputed to believers through faith (2 Corinthians 5:21). This righteousness is not based on human effort or adherence to the law but is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). The concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where figures like Abraham were considered righteous through faith (Genesis 15:6).
to everyone who believes
This phrase emphasizes the universality of the gospel. Salvation and righteousness are available to all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3). Belief, or faith, is the key requirement, as seen inJohn 3:16, where eternal life is promised to those who believe in Jesus. This democratization of access to God was revolutionary in the first-century context, breaking down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14-16). The emphasis on belief underscores the shift from a works-based righteousness to one based on faith in Christ's finished work.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.
2.
Christ (Jesus)Central to this verse, Jesus is presented as the fulfillment and culmination of the Law, bringing righteousness to believers.
3.
The LawRefers to the Mosaic Law given to Israel, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil laws.
4.
BelieversThose who have faith in Jesus Christ and accept Him as their Savior, receiving righteousness through faith.
5.
RomeThe city to which the letter was addressed, representing a diverse Christian community in the heart of the Roman Empire.
Teaching Points
Christ as FulfillmentJesus is the culmination of the Law, meaning He completes and fulfills its purpose. The Greek word "telos" used here can mean "end" or "goal," indicating that the Law points to Christ.
Righteousness Through FaithRighteousness is not achieved by adhering to the Law but through faith in Jesus Christ. This is a foundational truth for believers, emphasizing grace over works.
The Role of the LawThe Law serves to reveal sin and our need for a Savior. It is not abolished but fulfilled in Christ, who empowers us to live righteously.
Universal Offer of SalvationThe promise of righteousness through faith is available to everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, highlighting the inclusivity of the Gospel.
Living in FreedomBelievers are called to live in the freedom that Christ provides, not bound by the legalistic adherence to the Law but guided by the Spirit.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 10:4?
2.How does Romans 10:4 define Christ's role in fulfilling the law for believers?
3.What does "end of the law" mean for righteousness through faith in Christ?
4.How can we apply Romans 10:4 to our daily walk with Christ?
5.How does Romans 10:4 connect with Galatians 3:24 about the law's purpose?
6.In what ways does Romans 10:4 encourage reliance on faith over works?
7.How does Romans 10:4 define the relationship between the Law and Christ?
8.Does Romans 10:4 imply the Law is obsolete for Christians?
9.How does Romans 10:4 affect the understanding of salvation by faith alone?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 10?
11.What does "Christ is the end of the law" mean?
12.What does 'Christ is the end of the law' mean?
13.What defines dual-covenant theology?
14.What defines Torahism as a belief system?What Does Romans 10:4 Mean
For ChristEverything inRomans 10:4 begins with Jesus Himself. He is the central figure, the One to whom every promise and prophecy points.John 14:6 echoes Paul’s focus when Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”Colossians 1:17–18 reminds us that “in Him all things hold together,” underscoring His supremacy. Scripture consistently shows that salvation is not a system, a ritual, or a moral ladder; it is a Person—Christ.
Key implications:
- Christ is the promised Messiah first proclaimed inGenesis 3:15 and longed for throughout the Old Testament.
- He perfectly reveals the Father (John 1:18), so coming to Christ is coming to God.
- All discussion of law, righteousness, and faith is meaningless without fixing our eyes on Him (Hebrews 12:2).
is the end of the lawPaul says plainly that Christ brings the law to its intended conclusion.Matthew 5:17–18 records Jesus declaring, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.”
Consider:
- Fulfillment, not abolition. Jesus obeyed every command perfectly (1 Peter 2:22). Because the law demanded perfect obedience (Deuteronomy 27:26), only in Him is that demand met.
- The guardian has done its job.Galatians 3:24–25 explains that the law was a tutor leading us to Christ; once faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
- A new covenant is in place.Hebrews 8:13 states, “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ He has made the first one obsolete.” The ceremonial and civil aspects of the Mosaic code no longer bind believers; the moral heart of God’s law is written on our hearts by the Spirit (Jeremiah 31:33;Romans 8:4).
to bring righteousnessThe outcome of Christ’s fulfillment is the gift of righteousness.Romans 3:21–22 celebrates that “now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been revealed… through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
What this righteousness means:
- It is imputed, not earned (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus bore our sin and credits us with His perfect record.
- It satisfies God’s justice (Romans 5:1). We have peace with God, not probationary standing.
- It produces new life (Philippians 3:9). The righteousness we receive changes how we live, bearing fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
to everyone who believesThe offer is universal and the condition is faith.Romans 1:16 affirms the gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.”
Faith involves:
- Trusting in Christ’s finished work, not our own (Ephesians 2:8–9).
- Receiving Him personally (John 1:12).
- Continuing reliance, evidenced by confession and obedience (Romans 10:9–10;James 2:17).
Because the promise is “to everyone,” there is no room for ethnic, social, or moral barriers (Galatians 3:28). Anyone who believes—regardless of past failures—stands righteous in God’s sight.
summaryRomans 10:4 proclaims that Jesus is the focal point of God’s redemptive plan. He fulfills the law perfectly, closes its chapter of condemnation, and opens the door of righteousness. That righteousness is offered freely, without distinction, to all who place their trust in Him.
(4)
The end of the law.--"End," in the proper sense of termination or conclusion. Christ is that which brings the functions of the Law to an end by superseding it. "The Law pursues a man until he takes refuge in Christ; then it says, Thou hast found thine asylum; I shall trouble thee no more, now thou art wise; now thou art safe." (Bengel.)
For righteousness to every one that believeth.--So that every one who believes may obtain righteousness.
Verse 4. -
For Christ is the end of Law unto righteousness to every one that believeth. The word "end" (
τέλος) might in itself mean
(1)termination,
(2)fulfilment,
(3)aim or purpose, . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Christ [is]Χριστὸς(Christos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.[the] endτέλος(telos)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5056:(a) an end, (b) event or issue, (c) the principal end, aim, purpose, (d) a tax.of the Law,νόμου(nomou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551:From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.in order to bringεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.righteousnessδικαιοσύνην(dikaiosynēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1343:From dikaios; equity; specially justification.to everyoneπαντὶ(panti)Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.whoτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.believes.πιστεύοντι(pisteuonti)Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4100:From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.
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NT Letters: Romans 10:4 For Christ is the fulfillment (Rom. Ro)