JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

February 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning Romans 10:4.

Those who attempt to do away with God's law often turn to this verse. In the previous verse, Paul explains how the were going about trying to establish their own righteousness apart from God's righteousness. They ignored the sacrifice of Christ and thought that mere commandment keeping would be enough for anyone.

But, as Paul points out in verse 4, "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." What does "the end of the law" mean? It means the AIM, the PURPOSE, the FULLNESS or OUTCOME of the law. Christ in us gives us the power to keep God's holy, perfect law, for which we lack the spiritual strength ourselves (Rom. 8:4).

Apart from Christ, no one can manage to keep God's law in the spirit. By his very nature, man falls far short. But, through Christ we can be obedient (Phil. 4:13). The aim or end of the law is to enable us to become like Christ.

The word "end," used in Romans 10:4, is also found in James 5:11: "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the END of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."

Now, did James mean that Christ's end had come? Of course not. Rather, James explains it himself. They had seen the purpose or aim of the Lord -- "that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT