Not Under the Law, but Not in Lawlessness

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Absolutely not!” (Rom. 6:15 NET).

The believer in Christ is not under the law, but under grace. This is a blessing grace has brought unto us. But what does “not under the law” mean? Is it the same as lawlessness? The Bible records a moment in history of Israel that was so dark, it says, “In those days Israel had no king. Each man did what he considered to be right” (Jdg. 17:6 NET). Lawlessness is living without principle, guide, rule, or direction. People do what they feel is right, and chaos results. Grace is not lawlessness.

Paul says in 1 Cor. 9:21, “To those free from the law I became like one free from the law (though I am not free from God’s law but under the law of Christ) to gain those free from the law.” It was almost as though he knew that some people might misunderstand him, so he added the appositive asserting that “though I am not free from God’s law but under the law of Christ.” So God freed you from the law and brought you under the law of Christ! To be under the law especially applies to the spiritual system in which you try to obey God’s commandments to earn His blessings and favor by your own strength. This is tough, and it is a terrible bondage. God has delivered you from this system. Rather than trying to obtain God’s favor or live for Him by your own strength, God has brought you into Christ to lead a life of freedom, governed by the law of the Spirit of life. In lawlessness, there is no right or wrong, no sin or righteous act. It only depends on whether the individual thinks it is right or wrong. In grace, the Truth of God is the standard for life and guides our steps. You are called to be free from the law, but not into lawlessness!

MEDITATE

Under what circumstance can those who are in grace still commit sinful acts? See Rom. 6:16.

APPLY THE WORD

God wants you to walk in a way that pleases Him, but not under pressure of unreachable expectations or weaknesses. Guide your life today by the law of the Spirit!