For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes.
Christ.
Romans 3:25-31 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; …
Romans 8:3,4 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: …
Isaiah 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
the end.
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 in John 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.
Everything in Romans 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 in Genesis 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).
Paul 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).
The 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).
The 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.
Romans 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, . . .
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