The End of The Law

The phrase “the end of the law” may seem alarming to some, but it is a direct statement from the apostle Paul in Romans 10:4:

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

The word “end” (Greek: telos) can mean several things: conclusion, termination, or goal. Different Christians interpret this verse based on denominational leanings—some take it to mean the abolition of the Ten Commandments, while others say it means Christ is the goal or fulfillment of the law.

But in context, Paul is speaking specifically of the law’s role in achieving righteousness. And in this sense, the law has come to an end—not in terms of moral value, but in its jurisdiction as a means of justification before God. This does not imply the law teaches error, but it no longer governs the believer’s relationship with God. Christ has brought that system to its conclusion.

What Went Wrong in Eden
The original sin in Eden was not primarily about breaking a rule, but breaking trust. God’s command not to eat from the tree was not about morality, but about relationship—an invitation to trust Him. When that trust broke, relationship died.

If salvation is understood as repairing a broken rule, then the solution would be mere obedience. But if the real issue was a broken relationship, then salvation requires reconciliation—something much deeper than behavior modification.

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith, not rule-keeping, restores connection. The tragedy of sin is not merely guilt, but alienation from God’s heart.

Why the Law Was Given
Paul explains why God introduced the Mosaic system centuries later:

“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” (Romans 5:20)

“Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come.” (Galatians 3:19)

The law was added to reveal the severity of sin, control outward behavior, and prepare hearts for Christ. It was a temporary system, meant to preserve Israel and serve as a tutor until Christ arrived.

“The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.” (Galatians 3:24)

The law also made sin more obvious:

“By the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20)
“The strength of sin is the law.” (1 Corinthians 15:56)

Rather than cure sin, the law magnified it—highlighting humanity’s helplessness to achieve righteousness through self-effort.

The Gospel and Reconciliation
At the heart of the gospel is reconciliation. Humanity became estranged from God—not just because of behavior, but due to distrust and alienation.

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19)
“When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son.” (Romans 5:10)

This reconciliation occurred apart from our obedience. It was a gift through Christ, offered to all, completed without our participation. Yet to enjoy it, each person must respond in faith.

The Law and the Believer’s Relationship with God
The law not only reveals sin but also produces guilt. To permanently remove guilt, the thing that causes guilt—the law—must be removed as the basis of the relationship. Paul says:

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)

He isn’t lawless, but under a new order. Christ has become the new center.

“You are not under law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)

As far as righteousness is concerned, the law has been abolished—it no longer defines the believer’s standing with God. This is the meaning of Romans 10:4:

“Christ is the end [termination] of the law for righteousness.”

The law no longer governs acceptance or rejection. Believers are accepted “in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6), and rejected only on the basis of persistent unbelief (John 3:18). What the law could never do, God did through Christ (Romans 8:3–4).

Servants vs. Sons
“You are no longer a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” (Galatians 4:7)

Servants are accepted based on performance. Sons are accepted based on birthright and relationship. This is the radical shift the gospel brings—the end of the servant-law system and the beginning of the sonship-grace system.

New Life by the Spirit
Under the law, people lived by external commands. Under grace, they live by internal transformation.

“The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2)

The Ten Commandments are perfect, but powerless to produce righteousness. The Spirit of Christ, dwelling within, transforms the heart—this is the essence of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:33).

Summary: Christ Ended the Mosaic System for Righteousness

The law was:
- Added because of transgressions
- Temporary until Christ
- Unable to make anyone righteous
- A schoolmaster pointing to Christ

Christ brought the Mosaic system to its conclusion—not morality, but the legal system tied to righteousness. Believers now live by a higher principle: the indwelling Spirit. The relationship is no longer governed by external law, but by union with Christ.

“If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:18)