What does Romans 10:4 mean?
Explanation
Romans 10:4 states: "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." This verse captures a core tenet of Christian theology: the transition from the Old Covenant, based on adherence to the Mosaic Law, to the New Covenant, in which faith in Christ is the path to righteousness.
The word "end" in Greek is "telos," which can mean both termination and goal or fulfillment.
Thus, it can be understood that Christ is both the culmination and the purpose of the law, and through His work, believers are granted righteousness apart from legal adherence.
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Historical Context
Romans was written by Paul, a key figure in early Christianity, to the church in Rome around 56-58 AD.
The church was a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers, and one of Paul's objectives was to address tensions between them.
The Jewish believers were accustomed to following the Law of Moses, while the Gentiles were not.
Paul emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not from the law, aiming to unify the church under this new doctrine.
Theological Insights
Different theological perspectives offer various interpretations of this verse:
- Protestant Viewpoint: Emphasizes justification by faith alone (sola fide), seeing this verse as a confirmation that legalistic adherence to the law is not necessary for salvation.
- Catholic Viewpoint: Faith is integral for righteousness but should be complemented with good works, viewing the "end of the law" as the need for the law to be fulfilled in love as shown by Christ.
- Jewish-Christian Perspective: Some argue that Paul is not nullifying the law, but reiterating that Christ is the promised one who enables true fulfillment of the law.
Practical Applications
In daily life, this verse encourages individuals to live by faith in Jesus Christ rather than attempting to achieve righteousness through their own merit.
It supports a focus on internal transformation over external religious observation and promotes a faith centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Cross-References
- Galatians 2:16 - "...a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ..."