Romans 10:4
For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.
Christ
The term "Christ" comes from the Greek "Christos," meaning "Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah." In the Jewish tradition, the Messiah was expected to be a deliverer and king. In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as this promised Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. His anointing is not just as a king but as a savior, bringing spiritual deliverance. This title emphasizes His divine mission and authority, setting the stage for His role in the fulfillment of the law.

is the end
The Greek word for "end" is "telos," which can mean termination, goal, or purpose. In this context, it suggests that Christ is both the fulfillment and the culmination of the law. He completes what the law was pointing towards. The law's purpose was to lead people to Christ, showing them their need for a savior. In Christ, the law finds its ultimate purpose and completion, as He embodies the righteousness that the law aimed to produce.

of the law
The "law" refers to the Mosaic Law given to Israel, encompassing moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects. It was a covenant between God and His people, outlining how they were to live in relationship with Him and each other. Historically, the law served as a tutor, guiding people towards an understanding of sin and the need for redemption. In Christ, the ceremonial and civil aspects find their fulfillment, and the moral law is upheld through His perfect life and sacrificial death.

to bring righteousness
"Righteousness" in Greek is "dikaiosyne," meaning justice or the quality of being right. Biblically, it refers to being in right standing with God. Through Christ, believers are justified, not by their adherence to the law, but by faith. This righteousness is a gift from God, imputed to believers through the work of Christ. It signifies a restored relationship with God, where believers are seen as righteous because of Christ's atoning sacrifice.

to everyone
The phrase "to everyone" underscores the universality of the gospel. Salvation and righteousness through Christ are available to all, regardless of ethnic, cultural, or social background. This was a radical departure from the Jewish understanding of the law, which was given specifically to Israel. In Christ, the barriers are broken down, and the invitation to salvation is extended to all humanity.

who believes
"Believes" comes from the Greek "pisteuo," meaning to have faith or trust. This belief is not mere intellectual assent but involves a deep trust and reliance on Christ for salvation. It is a personal commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Faith is the means by which individuals receive the righteousness of God, emphasizing that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works of the law. This belief transforms lives, aligning them with the purposes of God and the example of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. Christ (Jesus)
Central to this verse, Jesus is presented as the fulfillment and culmination of the Law, bringing righteousness to believers.

3. The Law
Refers to the Mosaic Law given to Israel, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil laws.

4. Believers
Those who have faith in Jesus Christ and accept Him as their Savior, receiving righteousness through faith.

5. Rome
The city to which the letter was addressed, representing a diverse Christian community in the heart of the Roman Empire.
Teaching Points
Christ as Fulfillment
Jesus is the culmination of the Law, meaning He completes and fulfills its purpose. The Greek word "telos" used here can mean "end" or "goal," indicating that the Law points to Christ.

Righteousness Through Faith
Righteousness is not achieved by adhering to the Law but through faith in Jesus Christ. This is a foundational truth for believers, emphasizing grace over works.

The Role of the Law
The Law serves to reveal sin and our need for a Savior. It is not abolished but fulfilled in Christ, who empowers us to live righteously.

Universal Offer of Salvation
The promise of righteousness through faith is available to everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, highlighting the inclusivity of the Gospel.

Living in Freedom
Believers are called to live in the freedom that Christ provides, not bound by the legalistic adherence to the Law but guided by the Spirit.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding Christ as the "end of the law" change your perspective on the Old Testament laws?

2. In what ways can you rely on faith in Christ for righteousness rather than your own efforts?

3. How does the concept of the Law as a "tutor" leading to Christ influence your daily walk with God?

4. What are some practical ways you can live out the freedom that comes from being under grace rather than the Law?

5. How can you share the message of righteousness through faith with others, especially those who may feel burdened by legalism?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 5:17
Jesus speaks about fulfilling the Law, which connects to the idea of Him being the "end" or "goal" of the Law.

Galatians 3:24-25
Discusses the Law as a tutor leading to Christ, emphasizing the transition from the Law to faith in Christ.

Hebrews 10:1
Describes the Law as a shadow of the good things to come, pointing to the fulfillment in Christ.
Christ the End of the LawJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 10:4
Christ the End of the LawC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 10:4
Christ the End of the LawC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 10:4
Christ the End of the Law for RighteousnessJ. S. Exell, M.A.Romans 10:4
Christ the End of the Law for RighteousnessR. Shittler.Romans 10:4
Christ the End of the Law for RighteousnessElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 10:4
Christ the End of the Law for RighteousnessRomans 10:4
Christ the End of the Law for RighteousnessC. Hodge, D.D.Romans 10:4
The End of the LawS.R. Aldridge Romans 10:4
The Relation of the Law to the GospelT. Chalmers, D.D.Romans 10:4
Israel's Strength and WeaknessC.H. Irwin Romans 10:1-4
Confession of a Risen SaviourR.M. Edgar Romans 10:1-11
The Freeness of SalvationT.F. Lockyer Romans 10:1-11
A Comprehensive DesireR. S. MacArthur, D.D.Romans 10:1-13
Apostolic PatriotismD. Thomas, D.D.Romans 10:1-13
Barriers Broken DownC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 10:1-13
Blind ZealCawdray.Romans 10:1-13
How to Promote the Salvation of OthersDean GravesRomans 10:1-13
Human Righteousness Only Attainable by Submitting to The Righteousness of GodF. W. Bourne, D.D.Romans 10:1-13
Ignorance of God's Righteousness, the Guilt OfT. Chalmers, D.D.Romans 10:1-13
Lsrael a Lamentable Example of the Blindness of UnbeliefJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 10:1-13
Man's Tendency to Trust in His Own RighteousnessJ. McCosh, D.D.Romans 10:1-13
On ZealJ. Barr, D.D.Romans 10:1-13
Paul's Chief Desire for His CountrymenD. Jamison, B.A.Romans 10:1-13
Paul's Concern for His PeopleJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 10:1-13
Paul's Desire and PrayerT. Chalmers, D.D.Romans 10:1-13
Paul's Desire and PrayerElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 10:1-13
PhariseeismJ. Burns, D.D.Romans 10:1-13
Reasons Why Men Reject the Righteousness of GodJames Hamilton.Romans 10:1-13
Self-Righteousness -- Ruin of ManyC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 10:1-13
The Proper Regulation of Religious ZealW. Smyth.Romans 10:1-13
The Salvation of IsraelDean Graves.Romans 10:1-13
The Way of SalvationJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 10:1-13
Zeal and KnowledgeElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 10:1-13
Zeal for the Conversion of RelativesMrs. McLeod Wylie.Romans 10:1-13
Zeal for the Salvation of SinnersG. Burder.Romans 10:1-13
Zeal Without KnowledgeAbp. Tillotson.Romans 10:1-13
Zeal Without KnowledgeJohn Foster.Romans 10:1-13
Zeal Without KnowledgeT. Chalmers, D.D.Romans 10:1-13
Zeal, CautiousCawdray.Romans 10:1-13
Zeal, FalseJ. Goodman.Romans 10:1-13
Zeal, MisguidedJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 10:1-13
Zeal, TrueR. Cudworth.Romans 10:1-13
Zeal, True and FalseJ. Whitecross.Romans 10:1-13
Zeal, UncontrolledJ. Spencer.Romans 10:1-13
ZealotryPope., W. Penn.Romans 10:1-13
Zealous, But WrongC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 10:1-13
People
Esaias, Isaiah, Israelites, Paul, Romans
Places
Rome
Topics
Believer, Believes, Believeth, Believing, Christ, Faith, Fulfillment, Justified, Law, Righteousness, Termination
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 10:4

     2075   Christ, sinless
     6661   freedom, and law
     8022   faith, basis of salvation

Romans 10:1-4

     8370   zeal

Romans 10:2-4

     8142   religion

Romans 10:3-4

     1125   God, righteousness

Library
The Gospel Message, Good Tidings
[As it is written] How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! T he account which the Apostle Paul gives of his first reception among the Galatians (Galatians 4:15) , exemplifies the truth of this passage. He found them in a state of ignorance and misery; alienated from God, and enslaved to the blind and comfortless superstitions of idolatry. His preaching, accompanied with the power of the Holy Spirit, had a great and marvellous effect.
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Progress of the Gospel
Their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the end of the world. T he heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1) . The grandeur of the arch over our heads, the number and lustre of the stars, the beauty of the light, the splendour of the sun, the regular succession of day and night, and of the seasons of the year, are such proofs of infinite wisdom and power, that the Scripture attributes to them a voice, a universal language, intelligible to all mankind, accommodated to every capacity.
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

How Can I Obtain Faith?
May the Spirit of God assist us while we meditate upon the way by which faith cometh. This shall be followed by a brief indication of certain obstructions which often lie in that way; and then we will conclude by dwelling upon the importance that faith should come to us by that appointed road. I. First, then, THE WAY BY WHICH FAITH COMES TO MEN. "Faith cometh by hearing." It may help to set the truth out more clearly, if we say, negatively, that it does not come by any other process than by hearing;--not
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 18: 1872

Christ the End of the Law
The reason why many do not come to Christ is not because they are not earnest, after a fashion, and thoughtful and desirous to be saved, but because they cannot brook God's way of salvation. "They have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge," We do get them by our exhortation so far on the way that they become desirous to obtain eternal life, but "they have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God." Mark, "submitted themselves," for it needs submission. Proud man wants to save
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 22: 1876

A Simple Sermon for Seeking Souls
Now, I think, I shall not this morning err in his point of view, for I shall assume that some of my congregation, at least, are totally unacquainted with the great plan of salvation. And you that know it well, and have tried its preciousness, will bear with me, I am sure, whilst I try in the simplest words that human lips can put together to tell out the story of how men are lost, and how men are saved according to the words of my text by calling upon the name of the Lord. Well then, we must begin
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Barriers Broken Down
YOU THAT HAVE YOUR BIBLES OPEN, kindly follow me from the first verse of the chapter. It begins, "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." If you really desire that men should be saved, pray for them. It is an empty wish, a mere formality, if you do not turn it into prayer. Every loving desire for any man or woman should, by the believer, be taken before God in prayer. We cannot expect that God will save men unless his people pray for it. There must
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Sovereign Grace and Man's Responsibility
The system of truth is not one straight line, but two. No man will ever get a right view of the gospel until he knows how to look at the two lines at once. I am taught in one book to believe that what I sow I shall reap: I am taught in another place, that "it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy." I see in one place, God presiding over all in providence; and yet I see, and I cannot help seeing, that man acts as he pleases, and that God has left his actions
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." All men love to have privileges above others. Every one is upon the design and search after some well-being, since Adam lost that which was true happiness. We all agree upon the general notion of it, but presently men divide in the following of particulars. Here all men are united in seeking after some good; something to satisfy their souls, and satiate their desires. Nay, but they
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
IN the city of Geneva, once the stronghold of the severest creed of the Reformation, Christianity itself has of late years received some very rude shocks. But special attempts have been recently made to counteract their effects and to re-organize the Christian congregations upon Evangelical principles. In pursuance of this design, there have been delivered and published during the last few years a series of addresses by distinguished persons holding Evangelical sentiments, entitled Séances
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

Confirmation.
In our studies concerning the methods of Grace, or the application of the Salvation purchased by Christ, to the sinful race of Adam's children, we necessarily had to begin with the new-born child. We noted the first known operations of Grace at the baptismal font. We traced the infant through the holy influences received at a Christian mother's knee, and in the nurture of a Christian home. We followed up through the lessons and influences of the Church's nursery, the Sunday-school, and from thence
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

Faith in the Sacred Scriptures.
"With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." --Rom. x. 10. Calvin says beautifully and comprehensively that the object of saving faith is none other than the Mediator, and invariably in the garments of the Sacred Scriptures. This should be accepted unconditionally. Saving faith is possible, therefore, only in sinful men and so long as they remain sinful. To suppose that saving faith existed already in Paradise is to destroy the order of
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Which Sentence Dishonoreth the Holy Martyrs, Nay Rather Taketh Away Holy Martyrdoms Altogether. ...
3. Which sentence dishonoreth the holy Martyrs, nay rather taketh away holy martyrdoms altogether. For they would do more justly and wisely, according to these men, not to confess to their persecutors that they were Christians, and by confessing make them murderers: but rather by telling a lie, and denying what they were, should both themselves keep safe the convenience of the flesh and purpose of the heart, and not allow those to accomplish the wickedness which they had conceived in their mind.
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Or Haply is it So, that He who Plots in this Way to Find...
13. Or haply is it so, that he who plots in this way to find out Priscillianists, denies not Christ, forasmuch as with his mouth he utters what with his heart he believes not? As if truly (which I also said a little above) when it was said, "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness," it was added to no purpose, "with the mouth confession is made unto salvation?" [2398] Is it not so that almost all who have denied Christ before the persecutors, held in their heart what they believed of Him?
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Christ Our Righteousness.
"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (I. Cor. i. 30, 31). In this language Paul affirms that Christ is our righteousness. This is a momentous thought. It goes to the heart of the scheme of redemption. How is Christ our righteousness? What does Paul mean by the affirmation? The very life of Christianity is involved in the answer.
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Letter v. Yes, My Dear Friend, it is My Conviction that in all Ordinary Cases the Knowledge...
Yes, my dear friend, it is my conviction that in all ordinary cases the knowledge and belief of the Christian Religion should precede the study of the Hebrew Canon. Indeed, with regard to both Testaments, I consider oral and catechismal instruction as the preparative provided by Christ himself in the establishment of a visible Church. And to make the Bible, apart from the truths, doctrines, and spiritual experiences contained therein, the subject of a special article of faith, I hold an unnecessary
Samuel Taylor Coleridge—Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit etc

Receive, My Children, the Rule of Faith, which is Called the Symbol or Creed. ...
1. Receive, my children, the Rule of Faith, which is called the Symbol (or Creed [1762] ). And when ye have received it, write it in your heart, and be daily saying it to yourselves; before ye sleep, before ye go forth, arm you with your Creed. The Creed no man writes so as it may be able to be read: but for rehearsal of it, lest haply forgetfulness obliterate what care hath delivered, let your memory be your record-roll: [1763] what ye are about to hear, that are ye to believe; and what ye shall
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

Moreover Moses in Deuteronomy Says that the Gentiles Should be the Head...
Moreover Moses in Deuteronomy says that the Gentiles should be the head, and the unbelieving people the tail. And again he says: Ye provoked me to jealousy with those that are no gods, and angered me with your idols: and I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, and with a foolish nation will I anger you. (Cf. Rom. x. 19) Because they forsook the God who is, and worshipped and served the gods who are not; and they slew the prophets of God, and prophesied for Baal, who was the idol
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

Epistle xvi. To Mauricius, Augustus.
To Mauricius, Augustus. Gregory to Mauricius, &c. Seeing that in you, most Christian of princes, uncorrupt soundness of faith shines as a beam sent down from heaven, and that it is known to all that your Serenity embraces fervently and loves with entire devotion of heart the pure profession in which by God's favour you are powerful, we have perceived it to be very necessary to make request for those whom one and the same faith enlightens, to the end that the Piety of our lords may protect them with
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

St. Paul's Wish to be Accursed from Christ.
"For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh." Few characters more remarkable than that of St. Paul, are to be found in history. He is introduced to our acquaintance on a tragical occasion--the martyrdom of Stephen, where he appears an accomplice with murderers--"he was standing by and consenting to his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him." The circumstances of Paul's conversion to Christianity were very remarkable, and
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Twenty-First Day for God's Spirit on the Jews
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on the Jews "I will pour out upon the house of David, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and Supplication; and they shall look unto Me whom they pierced."--ZECH. xii. 10. "Brethren, my heart's desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved."--ROM. x. 1. Pray for the Jews. Their return to the God of their fathers stands connected, in a way we cannot tell, with wonderful blessing to the Church, and with the coming of our
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

God's Glory the Chief End of Man's Being
Rom. xi. 36.--"Of him and through him, and to him, are all things, to whom be glory for ever." And 1 Cor. x. 31--"Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." All that men have to know, may be comprised under these two heads,--What their end is, and What is the right way to attain to that end? And all that we have to do, is by any means to seek to compass that end. These are the two cardinal points of a man's knowledge and exercise. Quo et qua eundum est,--Whither to go, and what way to go.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God," &c. II. The Christian's chief employment should be to seek the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof. "Seek first," &c. Upon this he should first and chiefly spend his thoughts, and affections, and pains. We comprehend it in three things. First, He should seek to be clothed upon with Christ's righteousness, and this ought to take up all his spirit. This is the first care and the chief concern. Did not this righteousness weigh much
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Regeneration and Faith.
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."--1 Peter i. 23. There is a possible objection to what has been said above concerning regeneration. It is evident that God's Word, and therefore our symbols of faith, offers a modified representation of these things which, superficially considered, seems to condemn our representation. This representation, which does not consider children, but adults, may thus be stated: Among a
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Links
Romans 10:4 NIV
Romans 10:4 NLT
Romans 10:4 ESV
Romans 10:4 NASB
Romans 10:4 KJV

Romans 10:4 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Romans 10:3
Top of Page
Top of Page