How does Romans 10:4 define Christ's role in fulfilling the law for believers? Setting the Stage: Paul’s Passion in Romans 10 Paul longs for Israel to embrace the righteousness that comes by faith instead of relying on their own law-keeping. Romans 10:4 sits at the center of that plea, declaring the stunning sufficiency of Christ. Key Verse in Focus “For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:4) Unpacking “the End of the Law” • “End” (Greek telos) means both termination and goal. • The law’s purpose—driving sinners to recognize their need for a Savior—finds its finish line and consummation in Jesus. • Righteousness, once pursued through perfect obedience to commandments, is now received by faith in the One who perfectly obeyed on our behalf. Jesus and the Law: Four Ways He Brings It to Completion 1. Perfect Obedience ‑ Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law… but to fulfill it.” ‑ He kept every command flawlessly, satisfying the law’s positive requirements. 2. Bearing the Penalty ‑ Galatians 3:13: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” ‑ The law demands death for sin; Jesus met that demand at the cross. 3. Declaring “Paid in Full” ‑ Colossians 2:14: He “canceled the record of debt… nailing it to the cross.” ‑ Legal indebtedness is erased; no outstanding balance remains. 4. Providing Imputed Righteousness ‑ 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” ‑ His perfect record is transferred to the believer’s account. What This Means for Every Believer • Salvation rests on Christ’s finished work, not personal performance. • The law no longer condemns; it now serves as instruction shaped by grace. • Assurance grows: righteousness is a gift, not a grade. • Freedom blossoms: obedience flows from Spirit-empowered gratitude, not fear of failure. Living Out the Reality - Walk in confidence: Philippians 3:9 reminds us we are “found in Him, not having my own righteousness… but that which is through faith in Christ.” - Reject legalism: Galatians 5:1 urges, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” - Pursue holiness: Titus 2:14 says He “purified for Himself a people… eager to do good.” Grace fuels godliness. Connecting Verses that Echo the Theme • John 19:30 — “It is finished.” • Hebrews 10:14 — “By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” • Romans 8:1-4 — The law’s righteous requirement is fulfilled in us who walk according to the Spirit. Christ is both the finish line and the prize. Trusting Him means the law’s demands are met, its curse removed, and its true goal—righteous people walking with God—joyfully realized in every believer. |
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