The law of Moses taught how to live by the law of righteousness, but when Jesus came He brought the importance of righteousness through faith in Him (Romans 10:4-11) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed (1 Peter 2:20-25).
If God would not of sent His only begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ, then there would be no resurrection of life for all would of perished since Adam. Praise God for the life we find in Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:16-23). For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
The story of the prodigal son shows us how far we can get from serving God, but realizing by repenting and turning back to Him our life can be restored. How happy the father was at the return of his son, just as our Father in heaven rejoices when we repent and serve Him! (Luke 15:20-24) And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Even is we suffer loss of material things, nothing can replace our life unless we are dead to sin and are alive in Christ! As Christians we understand the importance of being dead to sin and our life is no longer our own, but is a life now lived in the one who died to save us! (Philippians 3:7-11) But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Galatians 2:20,21).
Amen! As always a good share faithful to Him who is the Word.
Blessings
BT
Great article! I think that what is the most understood is the translation of the word “end” in Romans 10:4. Would “conclusion” have been better?
End – G5056 – τέλος – properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitely), result (immediate, ultimate or prophetic), purpose); specially, an impost or levy (as paid) Derivation: from a primary τέλλω (to set out for a definite point or goal); KJV Usage: + continual, custom, end(-ing), finally, uttermost.
For Christ is the conclusion of the law, for his purpose was specially to pay the levy for sin, which is transgression of the law. (1John 3:4) He did not end it. (Matt. 5:17-20) We all fall short, but all glory to God, the levy is paid. (Romans 3:20-31)
LOLGB+
This is taken from the King James Version bible, and conclusion could most assuredly explain this very well. Thank you for the added definition, it makes the verse read with better understanding. Be Blessed.
Julia
Nicely done. Great article.