How does Romans 10:4 connect with Galatians 3:24 about the law's purpose? Setting the Stage • Romans 10:4: “For Christ is the end of the Law, in order to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.” • Galatians 3:24: “So the Law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” Both verses speak of a single story line: God gave the Law for a season, and that season reached its climax in Jesus. Romans highlights the destination; Galatians explains the journey. Romans 10:4—Christ, the Goal and Completion • “End” (telos) carries the sense of goal, culmination, or finish line. • The Law’s demands for righteousness are met fully in Him (cf. Matthew 5:17). • His perfect obedience and atoning death provide the righteousness the Law required but could never impart (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Belief, not rule-keeping, now grants what the Law pointed to—right standing with God. Galatians 3:24—The Law as Guardian • “Guardian” (paidagōgos) was a household tutor who supervised a child until maturity. • The Law disciplined Israel, exposing sin (Romans 3:20) and steering hearts toward the coming Messiah. • It created longing for deliverance by showing humanity’s inability to achieve holiness on its own. • Once faith in Christ arrives, the guardian’s temporary role is fulfilled (Galatians 3:25). How the Two Passages Interlock 1. Purpose Revealed – Galatians shows the Law preparing the sinner; Romans declares the moment preparation gives way to fulfillment. 2. Function Concluded – The tutor’s task ends when the student meets Christ; the finish line is crossed when righteousness is received by faith. 3. Same Outcome – Both verses climax in justification “to everyone who believes.” Faith, not Law-keeping, is God’s final means of righteousness. Supporting Snapshots from the Rest of Scripture • Hebrews 10:1 — the Law is “a shadow of the good things to come.” • John 1:17 — “The Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” • 2 Corinthians 3:7-11 — the fading glory of the Law contrasts with the surpassing glory of the new covenant. Why the Law Still Matters • Reveals God’s character and moral order (Psalm 19:7-11). • Shows the depth of human need, magnifying grace (Romans 7:7-13). • Continues to guide holy living, now empowered by the Spirit rather than enforced externally (Romans 8:3-4; Hebrews 8:10). Living in the Fulfillment • Rest in Christ’s finished work—righteousness is a gift, not a paycheck. • Let the moral beauty of the Law inform your walk, while relying on the Spirit for power. • Share the good news: the Law’s tutor-role is meant to bring every sinner to the same joyous finish line—faith in Jesus, the righteous One. |
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