Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 10:4

"For Christ is the end of the law unto righteousness to every one that believeth." — Romans 10:4 (ASV)

For Christ. This expression implies faith in Christ. This is the design of the discussion: to show that justification cannot be obtained by our own righteousness, but by faith in Christ. As no direct benefit results to people from Christ unless they believe in him, faith in him is implied where the word occurs in this connection.

Is the end of the law. The word translated "end" means that which completes a thing, or makes it perfect. It also means the boundary, issue, or termination of anything, such as the end of life or the result of a prophecy (John 13:1; Luke 22:37).

Furthermore, it signifies the design or object in view—the principal purpose for which something was undertaken. For example, in 1 Timothy 1:5, The end of the commandment is charity; the main design or purpose of the command is to produce love. In 1 Peter 1:9, The end of your faith, the salvation of your souls; the main design or purpose of faith is to secure salvation. And in Romans 14:9, To this end Christ both died, etc.; for this design or purpose.

This is undoubtedly its meaning here. The main design or object that the perfect obedience of the law would accomplish is accomplished by faith in Christ. That is, perfect obedience to the law would accomplish justification before God, secure His favor and eternal life. The same end is now accomplished by faith in Christ.

The great desire of both is the same; and the same great end is finally gained. This was the subject of discussion between the apostle and the Jews; and this is all that is necessary to understand in the case.

Some have supposed that the word end refers to the ceremonial law—that Christ fulfilled it and brought it to an end. Others have supposed that He perfectly fulfilled the moral law. And still others, that the law in the end leads us to Christ, or that its design is to point us to Him.

All this is true, but it is not the truth taught in this passage. That truth is simple and plain: by faith in Christ, the same end is accomplished regarding our justification that would be accomplished by perfect obedience to the moral law.

For righteousness. For justification, or acceptance with God.

To every one that believes. (See Barnes on Romans 1:17).