Christ Is the End of the Law for Everyone Who Believes

The Jews sought to establish their own righteousness by keeping the law. Yet because no one can keep the law perfectly, Christ fulfilled the law and became its end on our behalf. The Gentiles, with no merit of their own, received that salvation by faith.

Zeal to establish righteousness by works can turn into a zeal that has nothing to do with God. Indeed, it is like tripping over the stumbling stone. By contrast, God gladly receives the faith that welcomes Christ like a newborn child, bringing no merit at all.

Salvation comes when we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths. The word is not far off; it is already near, on our lips and in our hearts. Whoever confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and trusts in his resurrection is saved, Jew and Gentile alike, without distinction.