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Romans 10:4

Back to The Bible's Difficult Scriptures Explained!


“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes.”

Does this passage declare that Christ brought the Law of God to an “end” ?—made it no longer necessary to obey?

First, read Matthew 5:17-19. Careful reading shows that Romans 10:4 actually states that Christ is the end of the law “for righteousness” (or as far as righteousness goes). The Greek word telos, translated “end” here, means the “aim, purpose, goal, etc.” (of the law). This same word is found in I Peter 1:9 and James 5:11, and both make the meaning of “end” very clear.

Take a moment to read from Romans 9:33 to Rom 10:4 for context. Certain Roman brethren were trying to keep the law without asking Christ to keep it perfectly through them! An interesting last point to note is that telos literally means “a point aimed at.” Telescope, telephone, telegraph, and television are all derived from telos. All of these are objects that take something that is distant and make them closer. Christ certainly did this to the law (Isa. 42:21)!

Suggested reading:

• The Ten Commandments – “Nailed to the Cross” or Required for Salvation?