Audio commentary on this verse

Note 3 at Rom. 10:4: The Greek word that was translated "end" here is "telos," which means "the point aimed at as a limit; i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination)."

This verse does not say that Christ is the end of the law, but rather that Christ is the end of the law for the purpose of righteousness. This means that no one any longer becomes righteous, or justified in the sight of God, by how well they perform the deeds of the law (see note 2 at Lk. 1:6, p. 38). However, there are still useful purposes of the law to the New Testament believer.

The Old Testament law still reveals to us God's holiness, which we should seek to emulate. It must be understood however, that our failure to comply does not bring the punishments pronounced in the law since Jesus bore those for us (Gal. 3:12). Our compliance does not earn the blessings of God either; those only come by faith in Christ (Rom. 4:8-13). We also need to be acquainted with the Old Testament law so we will better understand our new covenant and God's historical dealings with mankind.

Also, Paul said to Timothy, "But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully" (I Tim. 1:8). He then says that the law was not made for a righteous man (i.e. a Christian - 2 Cor. 5:21), but rather for an unbeliever (1 Tim. 1:9-10). So, a Christian can still use the law when ministering to unbelievers to show them their sin and their need for a Savior (see note 4 at Rom. 3:19, p. 757).

As Christians, we should not discard the Old Testament law. When understood in the light of the new covenant, the old covenant provides us with invaluable revelation of God. Paul is simply stressing that the time when anyone sought to be justified through the keeping of the Old Testament law is over. Now, everyone must put their faith in Christ, and Christ alone, for salvation.

Someone might ask, "Was anyone ever justified by the keeping of the law?" The answer is, "Yes." One person did become righteous through his keeping of the Old Testament law. That person was Jesus. One of the reasons the Old Testament law was given was so that Jesus could legally earn man's redemption. Now that the purchase has been completed, that function of the law is over.

Note 4 at Rom. 10:4: This phrase, "to every one that believeth" limits this benefit to only believers (Christians). To those who do not receive God's gift of salvation, the law is still in effect (see note 4 at Jn. 3:36, p. 100). A person who fails to believe on Jesus will have to answer to God for each and every one of his transgressions of the law.