Life and Relationships

What Does It Mean That 'Christ Is the End of the Law'?

This phrase refers to Christ fulfilling the law's purpose of pointing to righteousness, meaning that Christ is the goal or culmination the law was always leading toward, rather than the abolition of God's moral standard.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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Biblical explanation

Paul writes that “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (), placed in a context discussing how righteousness is achieved—not through law-keeping but through faith in Christ. This does not contradict Jesus's statement that He did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it (); rather, it clarifies that the law's sacrificial and ceremonial system, along with its demand for perfect righteousness, finds its intended goal and completion in Christ's perfect life and atoning death. The moral law's standard of love for God and neighbor remains valid, but the means of achieving righteousness before God shifts from law-keeping to faith in the one the law always pointed toward.

In brief

Paul writes that “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (), placed in a context discussing how righteousness is achieved—not through law-keeping but through faith in Christ.

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.