Romans 10:4

For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

For {G1063} Christ {G5547} is the end {G5056} of the law {G3551} for {G1519} righteousness {G1343} to every one {G3956} that believeth {G4100}.

For the goal at which the Torah aims is the Messiah, who offers righteousness to everyone who trusts.

For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.

For Christ is the end of the law unto righteousness to every one that believeth.

Commentary

Romans 10:4 is a foundational verse in Paul's letter, encapsulating a core truth about salvation and the role of the Mosaic Law in God's redemptive plan. It declares that Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment and termination of the law as a means to achieve righteousness, making salvation accessible through faith for everyone who believes.

Context

In Romans chapters 9 and 10, Paul expresses his deep anguish over his fellow Israelites, who, despite their zeal for God, pursued righteousness through the law and works rather than through faith in Christ. He notes their efforts to establish their own righteousness, failing to submit to God's way (Romans 10:3). Romans 10:4 provides the crucial theological explanation for why their approach was flawed: the law was never intended to be the final means of righteousness, but rather pointed to Christ.

Key Themes

  • Christ as the "End" of the Law: The Greek word for "end" is telos, which carries a dual meaning. It can mean both the "goal" or "purpose" and the "termination" or "cessation." In this verse, Christ is presented as both:
    • The Goal/Fulfillment: The law, with its commands and sacrifices, was always meant to point to Christ. He perfectly fulfilled its righteous demands (Matthew 5:17) and completed its prophetic types and shadows.
    • The Termination: As a system for achieving righteousness, the law has been superseded by Christ. No one can be justified by perfectly keeping the law, because all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice provide the righteousness that the law demanded but could not enable sinful humanity to attain.
  • Righteousness by Faith: This verse clearly states that righteousness is now available "to every one that believeth." This is a central theme of Paul's letters: justification, or being declared righteous by God, comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through works of the law (Romans 3:28, Galatians 2:16). Christ's righteousness is imputed to the believer.
  • Universality of Salvation: The phrase "every one that believeth" emphasizes that this new way of righteousness is not limited to any specific group (like the Jews under the law) but is open to all people, regardless of their background, who place their trust in Jesus Christ. This highlights God's impartial love and the global scope of the Gospel (John 3:16).

Linguistic Insights

The term "righteousness" (Greek: dikaiosyne) refers to a state of being right with God, or a right standing before Him. Paul consistently teaches that this righteousness is not achieved by human effort but is a gift from God, received through faith in Christ.

Practical Application

Romans 10:4 offers profound liberation for believers today. It assures us that our salvation and right standing with God are not dependent on our ability to perfectly follow rules or perform religious duties. Instead, they are secured by the finished work of Jesus Christ. This truth frees us from legalism and the burden of trying to earn God's favor. It encourages us to fully trust in Christ alone for our salvation, knowing that in Him, we have complete righteousness before God. This understanding forms the bedrock of salvation by grace through faith, a central tenet of the Christian faith.

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Cross-References

  • Galatians 3:24 (26 votes)

    Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

  • Romans 8:3 (22 votes)

    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:

  • Romans 8:4 (22 votes)

    That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

  • Matthew 5:17 (18 votes)

    Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

  • Matthew 5:18 (18 votes)

    For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

  • Acts 13:38 (14 votes)

    Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

  • Acts 13:39 (14 votes)

    And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.