Christ Is the End of the Law

In the last two days, we’ve discovered that Christ fulfilled the law in three different ways:

1. Through His perfect life.
2. Through His redemptive death and resurrection.
3. By fulfilling everything the law required and foreshadowed regarding the Redeemer and Messiah Who was to come.

We thus find ourselves in perfect agreement with the words of Paul:

“Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.” (Rom. 3:31)

The believer who accepts the atoning death of Jesus Christ as the fulfilment of the law on his behalf is thereby enabled to accept, without compromise or qualification, every jot and tittle of the law as being completely and unchangeably true. Faith in Christ for salvation does not set aside the revelation of the law; on the contrary, it fulfils it.

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Rom. 10:4)

The Greek word here translated “end” has two related meanings:

1. The purpose for which something is done.
2. That which brings something to a close.
3. In both senses, the law ended with Christ.

In the first sense, once the law has successfully brought us to Christ, it is no longer needed in this capacity. In the second sense, Christ by His death put an end to the law as a means of achieving righteousness with God. Faith in Him is now the one, all-sufficient requirement for righteousness.

In every other respect, however, the law still stands, complete and entire, as a part of God’s Word, which “endures forever.” Its history, its prophecy and its general revelation of the mind and counsel of God – all these remain eternally and unchangeably true.