Christ the End of the Law

Paul, in writing to the Romans, was deeply concerned for his fellow Israelites. They had zeal for God but not according to knowledge. They pursued righteousness by keeping the law, but the law could never provide what they longed for, which is peace with God. And so, he points them, and us, to this great truth. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

In these few words, Paul shows us the futility of self-righteousness, the sufficiency of Christ, and the simplicity of faith.

The Futility of Self-Righteousness

Paul writes these words to a people who thought the law could make them righteous. They took God’s holy commands, which were given to show His holiness and expose our sin, and turned them into a ladder they imagined could reach heaven.

But the reality is stark: “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). The law was never designed to make us righteous but to show us that we are not righteous. 

And here’s the danger, religious people often stumble most severely here. We may say with our lips that salvation is by grace, yet our hearts cling to performance. But self-righteousness is a dead end. It leads only to despair or delusion.

The Law’s Purpose is to Show Our Need

The law was never meant to save; it was meant to expose. It is like a mirror that reveals our sin, a tutor that leads us to Christ. Every commandment we break, every failure to love God fully, reminds us of our inability.

Left to ourselves, we can only conclude what Paul himself says elsewhere: “by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight” (Romans 3:20). 

Christ Fulfills What the Law Demands

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness…”

The word "end" here does not mean termination only. It means goal, fulfillment, completion. Jesus Himself said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17).

Every requirement of God’s law is perfectly met in Christ. His life was spotless obedience, His death a full satisfaction for sin. The law, which condemns us, was kept by Him. And so, righteousness is found in Him alone.

The Simplicity of Faith

“…to everyone who believes.”

Here is the wonder of the gospel. This righteousness is not earned but received. Faith is simply the empty hand that takes hold of Christ. It is not faith in our performance, nor faith in faith itself, but faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Notice the inclusivity: “…to everyone who believes.” Jew or Gentile, religious or irreligious, moral or immoral; Christ is sufficient for all. The dividing lines of human effort fall away when we stand before the cross.

Conclusion

Romans 10:4 is both a relief and a call. A relief, because it tells us we can stop striving to earn righteousness through works. A call, because it bids us to trust Christ fully. The law has done its work; it has led us to the end of ourselves. Now it points us to Christ, who is the end and the fulfillment.

So today, rest not in your religious record, but in His perfect righteousness.