Christ as the Τέλος of the Law: An Exegetical Study of Romans 9:30—10:4

Abstract

Pauline Epistles have positive and negative statements about the Old Testament law. In some instances, Paul discusses the limitations of the law in light of the work of Christ on the cross (Rom 3:20, 28; 4:14). At other times, he suggests that the law is operative for the church (Rom 3:31; 7:7, 12). Many believers in Christ and students of the Bible often have challenges in interpreting and applying the Mosaic law, especially in light of the cross. Hence, this study investigates the distinctions that Christ establishes in the New Testament and proposes biblical ethical guides for Christians, using the grammatical-historical hermeneutical method. It gives attention to the literary and cultural contexts of the chosen passage. The author examined Paul’s assertion that Christ is the τέλος of the law in Romans 9:30—10:4, with references to relevant Romans passages and other New Testament Scriptures. The study shows that Gentiles obtained God’s righteousness by faith while Israel pursued the law for righteousness but did not attain it because their pursuit was by works. Emphatically, the divine gift of salvation is through faith and submission to God’s righteousness. Therefore, Christ, being the goal, not the termination of the law, does not abolish the old covenant laws but fulfills it. The new covenant through the cross changed the administration of the Mosaic law as it applies to the believers in the New Testament. Hence, this study reinforces the conviction of modern Bible students that there is no contradiction in the New Testament Christology about the law if related passages are considered within their contexts. Christ is the τέλος of the law in the sense that he is its goal and substance. The research also reiterates that Christ is the theological center and the interpretive grid of the Bible.