Jesus doulos

Here is the good news of Jesus

Romans 10 – question 1

« Christ is the end of the Law »

According to many translations (King-James, ..), Paul writes in Romans 10:4 :

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

The Greek word for « end » is « τέλος » (telos), which can mean goal, purpose, fulfillment, or termination, completion. This passage does not imply that the Mosaic Law is abolished or without value, but rather that it finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ. Here’s how we can demonstrate this truth using the Old Testament, Jesus’ teachings, and Paul’s own writings.

1. The Law Is Not Abolished but Fulfilled in Christ

Jesus’ Words About the Law

Jesus explicitly stated: “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.” (Matthew 5:17)
Fulfilling the Law means:

  • Perfectly obeying its moral requirements.
  • Fulfilling its Messianic prophecies contained in the Old Testament.
  • Offering the ultimate sacrifice that replaces animal sacrifices (Hebrews 10:10-12).

The Law as a Shadow of What Was to Come

The Old Testament presents the Law as a foreshadowing of Christ:

  • Hebrews 10:1: “For the law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never… make perfect those who draw near.”
  • Rituals, sacrifices, and commandments pointed forward to Jesus Christ.

Examples from the Old Testament Showing Christ as the Fulfillment

  1. The Sacrificial System: Animal sacrifices under the Mosaic Law prefigured the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
    • Leviticus 16 (Day of Atonement) points to Christ as both our High Priest and perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-14).
  2. Messianic Prophecies: The Law contained promises fulfilled by the Messiah.
    • Deuteronomy 18:15: Moses prophesies about a prophet like him, fulfilled in Christ.

2. The Law Remains Valid but Has a New Role in Christ

The Law as a Guide to Christ

Paul teaches that the Law is not nullified but serves a specific purpose: “The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by Faith.” (Galatians 3:24)
The Law reveals:

  • Human Sin (Romans 3:20).
  • The need for a Savior.

A New Function in Christ

In Christ, the Law’s function changes:

  1. It Is No Longer a Means of Justification:
    • Romans 3:28: “For we hold that one is justified by Faith apart from works of the law.”
    • Justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not legal works.
  2. It Remains a Moral Standard:
    • Jesus summarized the Law as loving God and loving one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). These moral principles remain valid.
  3. It Is Written on Believers’ Hearts:
    • Jeremiah 31:33: “I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts.”
    • This passage points to the New Covenant, fulfilled in Christ, which internalizes the Law’s principles.

3. Christ: The Ultimate Purpose of the Law

The Law Pointed to Christ

The Law was always intended to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah:

  • John 1:17: “For the law was given through Moses; Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
  • Moses himself prophesied that Christ would be the One to whom Israel must listen (Deuteronomy 18:15).

The Role of the Prophets

The Old Testament prophets foretold a Messiah who would fulfill the Law and offer a righteousness accessible to all:

  • Isaiah 53: The suffering servant brings salvation through His sacrifice.
  • Joel 2:32 (quoted in Romans 10:13): The promise of salvation for all who call on the name of the Lord.

4. Scriptural Evidence That the Law Is Not Abolished

Jesus’ Testimony

  • Matthew 5:18: “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
  • Jesus emphasizes that the Law remains valid in its essence but finds its ultimate fulfillment in Him.

Paul’s Testimony

Paul reaffirms the validity of the Law in its transformed role:

  • Romans 3:31: “Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.”
  • Faith in Christ does not nullify the Law but reveals its true purpose.

Conclusion: The Law Finds Its Fulfillment, Not Its End, in Christ

  1. Christ as the Goal of the Law
    • The Law was not an end in itself; it was always meant to prepare the way for Christ. In Him, all its requirements are fulfilled, and all its prophecies find their realization.
  2. The Law in the Life of a Believer
    • For Christians, the Law remains a moral compass, illuminated and enlivened by the Holy Spirit.
    • It is no longer a means of justification but reflects the inner transformation brought about by Christ (Galatians 5:22-23).
  3. A Perfect Balance
    • The divine justice revealed in the Law converges with the divine Grace manifested in Christ. Together, they proclaim God’s holiness and His love for humanity.

Spiritual Reflection

For today’s believer, Romans 10:4 invites us to reflect on this question: Am I still tempted to seek justification through my works? Or do I fully rest in Christ’s completed work? Is the Law, written on my heart by the Spirit, transforming the way I love God and my neighbor?

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