Does Romans 10:4 imply the Law is obsolete for Christians? Romans 10:4 “For Christ is the end (τέλος, telos) of the Law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.” The Greek Term “telos”: End or Goal? The noun telos denotes both “termination” and “goal/culmination.” Classical and Koine usage (LXX, Philo, 1 Timothy 1:5) overwhelmingly favors “goal, aim, intended purpose” when the focus is positive or teleological. Paul’s consistent pattern (Romans 6:22; 1 Peter 1:9) supports “goal.” Thus Romans 10:4 states that the Law reaches its intended purpose in Christ rather than being scrapped. Immediate Context (Romans 9:30 – 10:13) Israel pursued righteousness “as if it were by works” (9:32), stumbling over the Messiah. Paul contrasts law-keeping for merit with righteousness “by faith.” The Law misapplied becomes a barrier; fulfilled in Christ it becomes the doorway (10:6–8, echoing Deuteronomy 30:11–14). Context argues against abrogation and for fulfillment. Canonical Context • Matthew 5:17-18: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law… but to fulfill (πληρῶσαι).” • Galatians 3:24-25: The Law was a παιδαγωγός “until (ἄχρι) Christ,” i.e., a guardian whose tutorial role ends when the student graduates, yet the moral truths it contained remain part of the believer’s new nature (Jeremiah 31:33). • 1 Corinthians 9:21: Paul is “not without the Law of God but under the Law of Christ.” A new-covenant framing, not lawlessness. Threefold Function of the Law (a) Ceremonial/Sacrificial—fulfilled in Christ’s priesthood and atonement (Hebrews 7–10). (b) Civil/Judicial—fulfilled typologically in the universal Body of Christ (1 Peter 2:9). (c) Moral—reflects God’s character; now written on regenerated hearts (Hebrews 8:10; Romans 8:4). Continuity and Discontinuity The ceremonial and boundary markers (circumcision, dietary laws, feasts) are shadows (Colossians 2:16-17) now realized in the substance: Christ. The moral core (e.g., nine of the Ten Commandments reiterated in the NT) continues as the believer’s Spirit-empowered lifestyle (Romans 13:8-10). Thus the Law is not obsolete; its covenantal administration has shifted. Witness of the Early Church and Reformation Confessions • Justin Martyr, Dialogue 11: Law’s purpose “completed in Christ who teaches its fuller righteousness.” • Irenaeus, Against Heresies IV.16.5: “The Lord did not abrogate but fulfilled and extended.” • Westminster Confession 19: The ceremonial law is abrogated; the moral law “doth forever bind.” The historic consensus views Romans 10:4 as culmination, not cancellation. Practical Implications for Believers • Justification rests solely on Christ’s finished work, not Law observance (Romans 3:28). • Sanctification employs the moral revelation of the Law, now energized by the Spirit (Romans 8:3-4). • Evangelism avoids legalism yet upholds holiness (Titus 2:11-14). Objections Addressed a) “Hebrews 8:13 says the covenant is obsolete.” Covenant administration, not God’s moral will, is in view; Hebrews immediately cites Jeremiah 31:33, embedding the Law within believers. b) “Galatians 5:18: ‘Not under Law.’” Under = ‘under its condemnation.’ Freedom is from penalty, not from moral content. Conclusion Romans 10:4 teaches that the Law’s designed destination is Christ, who perfects its righteous demands in every believer. The Law is neither discarded nor the basis of justification; it is realized, internalized, and surpassed in the new-covenant life of faith. |
    |