Unlimited: The Culmination of the Law
Apr 11, 2023 548
Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes (Romans 10:4, NIV).
The meaning of this verse hinges on the Greek word “telos”, often translated as “end” in many translations, as in the ERV,
Christ ended the law so that everyone who believes in him is made right with God.
Is this verse telling us that Christ has put an end to the law so that it no longer exists? Or is it telling us that Christ is the one to whom all of the law pointed, having fulfilled its requirements so that we may be saved. These are not necessarily the same thing.
Elsewhere, Paul has told us that there is a law which remains (Romans 7:12) and he quotes from the Ten Commandments in this regard (v.7).
The word “telos” does mean “end”, however it also means “end” as in “the end to which all things relate, the aim, purpose” (Strongs). In this vein, the CEB translates the verse as,
Christ is the goal of the Law, which leads to righteousness for all who have faith in God.
Christ is the one to whom all of the law pointed.
Everything in the law pointed to Christ and the salvation that he would bring.
In reality, the NKJV gets it right when it renders the verse as,
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (NKJV).
When we believe in Christ and rely on him for our righteousness, the law (all law) indeed comes to a complete end in our lives for the purpose of becoming righteous. Our salvation rests entirely and exclusively on the righteousness that is credited (imputed) to us by Christ.
Spiritual Application
Do a self-check. Are you still relying on your performance (i.e. “the law”) in any aspect whatsoever of your life? What are those areas that you still need to surrender to Jesus?
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