Misunderstood Verses of the New Testament - Week 8
In this week's edition of Misunderstood Verses of the New Testament we are going to briefly cover the questions "What does it mean for Christ to be the end of the law for righteousness?" from Romans 10 and "How are we no longer under a tutor?" as mentioned in Galatians 3.
Let us know your thoughts on this week's posting and the series in general. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below!
Romans 10:4
Problem: For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
Many use this verse to say that Paul is saying that Christ did away with the Law, saying that Yeshua brought it to an end, thus saying He is the end of the Law. However, if this is the case, then Paul himself is contradicting the very words of Christ in Matthew 5:17-18 where Yeshua tells us he did not come to abolish (bring an end to, get rid of) the law.
Solution: Here in verse 4, Paul is simply saying that Christ is the end of the law similar to the end zone of a football field, meaning He is the goal of the law. He is the living example of that which we strive for. Just like Revelation is the end of the Bible, Christ is the end of the law. And just as Revelation didn't do away with all of the rest of Scripture, Christ didn’t do away with the Law. The Greek for "end" is Telos. It can also carry the meaning of end by way of being the goal. For more on this topic, please see our teaching The Prayer of Salvation
Galatians 3:25
Problem: But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Many assume the Law of God is no longer valid or relevant.
Solution: Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary.
The Law was given to show how God deals with transgressions—that is, through substitutionary atonement—the innocent paying the price for the guilty. This was “until the offspring should come,” that offspring being the Messiah! For more on this topic please see our teaching Why Then the Law? (Galatians 3:19-29). The Law pointed us to the Messiah and our need for the Messiah (the penalty/curse of the Law, ie. death). It does still do that today, but it also still defines sin for us, as well as its blessings and curses for not following it. For more on these topics, please see our teaching: Animal Sacrifices in Light of the Messiah and The Three Things the Law Does.
(updated 10/15/2024)