CHRIST IS NOT THE END OF THE LAW ~ JIM STALEY

Examining Romans 10:1-4

Let’s begin by examining Romans 10:1 and uncovering the insights Paul shares with us today.

Paul writes:

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For being ignorant of God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to the righteousness of God.”

Understanding Paul’s Perspective

Before we proceed further, it’s essential to grasp Paul’s perspective in these first three verses. He expresses his deep desire for Israel to attain salvation. The Israel he refers to here is primarily the house of Judah, not the entirety of Israel.

Historically, Israel was divided into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom (house of Israel or Ephraim) and the southern kingdom (house of Judah). When the northern kingdom was exiled in 722 BC, it left only the house of Judah, composed of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, along with scattered Levites. By the first century, the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judea were primarily from the house of Judah, not the full twelve tribes of Israel.

The New Covenant and the Gentiles

Understanding this distinction is crucial in comprehending the New Covenant and its relationship with both the Jews and the Gentiles. Many misunderstand Paul’s message, believing that the Gentiles were forming a completely new covenant, separate from Israel. However, as detailed in Jeremiah 31:31, the New Covenant was made exclusively with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. There is no covenant with Gentiles per se; rather, Gentiles are grafted into the existing covenantal structure of Israel.

Righteousness Through the Law vs. Righteousness Through Faith

Paul acknowledges that the Jewish people of his time recognized righteousness through the Law. God had indeed decreed that obeying His commandments was a path to righteousness. However, what they failed to grasp was that no matter how rigorously they adhered to the Law, they could never fully atone for their sins. Human efforts alone could not bridge the gap to divine righteousness. It required faith—a crucial element that, when coupled with obedience to God’s commandments, constituted the true covenantal relationship with God.

A common misconception in contemporary Christianity is the belief that because some Jews rejected Christ, they were permanently cast aside, and God instead formed a new people from the Gentiles. However, Paul refutes this idea, emphasizing that God did not forsake His chosen people. The rejection of Christ by some in the first century did not nullify God’s eternal covenant with Israel.

In verse 3, Paul highlights that the Jews sought righteousness through their own means rather than submitting to God’s righteousness. This misalignment stemmed from an erroneous approach to the Law. The Law, as God gave it, was never flawed; rather, it was the reliance on human efforts alone that proved inadequate. Throughout Scripture, righteousness has always been associated with obedience to God’s commandments. However, obedience without faith does not suffice for salvation.

Romans 10:4 – The Purpose of the Law

This leads us to Romans 10:4, one of the most pivotal verses in this discussion:

“For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

The interpretation of the word “end” (telos in Greek) is critical. Many assume it means termination, as if Christ abolished the Law. However, telos often means “goal” or “purpose.” In this context, Paul is stating that Christ is the ultimate purpose of the Law—the fulfillment, not its abolition.

The misunderstanding of this verse has led to the incorrect doctrine that the Law is no longer relevant. However, Jesus Himself stated in Matthew 5:17 that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. Paul reiterates this in Romans 3:31, affirming that faith does not nullify the Law but rather upholds it. Throughout his letters, Paul consistently upholds the Law, emphasizing that obedience remains important, but salvation comes through faith in Christ.

Paul further clarifies this in Philippians 3:8-9, where he contrasts righteousness through the Law with righteousness through faith in Christ. While the Law defines righteousness, it is faith that grants access to salvation. This is why Paul stresses that using the Law as a means to attain salvation is a misapplication.

Romans 10:1-4

Romans 10:1-4 teaches that while the Law is good and righteous, it was never meant to be the means of salvation. Rather, its purpose is to lead people to Christ, who provides the salvific righteousness required to enter God’s kingdom. This understanding harmonizes with the broader biblical narrative, demonstrating that the Law remains relevant but must be approached through the lens of faith in Christ.

The Purpose of Your Life

What is the end of your life? What is the purpose and goal of your life? What are you trying to accomplish right now? I hope that your goal is to glorify God and increase the kingdom of God.

What are you doing with your talents? What are you doing with your finances? Where is your heart? Are you investing in the kingdom as much as you’re investing in your 401k or in crypto? How much are you investing in Him and His kingdom? What is your return going to be? What will your heavenly 401k look like? Are you the one who received a talent and buried it?

It is crucial to start with the end goal in mind. That is why God knows the end from the beginning. He starts with the end and then builds everything from that goal. The ultimate goal was to take the earth by storm with the Son of the living God. Everything up to this moment leads to that point.

Romans 10:5-10 – Righteousness by Faith

Let’s go back to verse five and continue:

“For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, ‘The man who does those things shall live by them.’ But the righteousness of faith speaks this way: ‘Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’—that is the word of faith which we preach.”

Paul is quoting from Deuteronomy 30, where God tells Israel that if they follow His commandments, it will bring them life. Even an atheist who follows the commandment of being faithful to his wife receives blessings because righteousness brings rewards.

Paul emphasizes that while righteousness under the Law brings blessings, a higher righteousness—one that leads to salvation—is attained by confessing with one’s mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in one’s heart that God raised Him from the dead.

“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.'”

Salvation is based on faith, not works. The Israelites in Egypt were saved by their faith in God’s word when they placed the blood on their doorposts. Their belief led to action, and that action proved their faith.

This is why James says:

“Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Faith and action work together, but salvation comes first through belief in Christ. Amen.

Watch the full teaching here:
https://youtu.be/8Fm-BTpg9AM

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