In Paul's epistles, he writes many times that we are not under the law. Does this mean that I am not accountable to follow rules, or I don't need to obey a government or an institutions laws? No. This is not the case. Romans 13 clearly teaches that we are subject to those in authority over us, for God has placed them there. Let's have a look at some key scriptures first, and then determine what Paul means when he says, "we are not under the law".
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Galatians 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
Galatians 3:10-12 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith:
Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
1 Timothy 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, ...
What is the "law" that Paul refers to?
In the context above, it is referring to the Mosaic law, which Jews were bound to under covenant with God, including all the traditions they formulated based on the law*. Living under these conditions brought about a COMPLEX AND HARD TO LIVE RELIGION! For Jews, this was a necessary part of life due to their covenant with God, but Paul was now writing to Jews and Gentiles, who had received the grace gospel, and was saying that they were no longer subject to that law covenant. He wrote that Christ had abolished the law and its ordinances and that they were now under grace, having redeemed them into a new lifestyle which removed those old legalistic constrains for one of SIMPLICITY under the leading of the Spirit of Christ within them.
This is the selfsame relationship that we have today as members of the body of Christ. We are under the instruction of the Spirit of Christ within us, not under the covenant of law that was imposed on the Jews and that distinguished them as the people of God during the Israel (Law) dispensation (Exo.19:5-6). Have a look at what Paul writes in the following two verses,
2 Corinthians 1:12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity [being led by the Spirit of Life within us], not with fleshly wisdom [the covenant of law and the resulting traditions of men] but by the grace of God, …
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted [and should fall] from the simplicity that is in Christ [ie: digressing back into the old laws and accompanying traditions instead of being led by the inward Spirit of Life].
So, the context of "not being under the law" has nothing to do with the laws of your State or Country or Institution. It is in reference to the covenant of Law that God gave to Israel. Since Israel's dispensation is in limbo (Rom.11:25), and the cross-work of Christ has abolished that covenant, we live by a new law; the Law of Love (Rom.13:8; Gal.5:14), the inner guidance of the Holy Spirit within us.
Let me end with a scripture passage that confirm this fact. May it encourage you to evaluate your lifestyle and free yourself from any bondages of laws or traditions that we or others place upon us. Let's get back to the simplicity of a life of love under the constraint and compulsion of Christ within us.
Colossians 2:4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. ... 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord [by faith in the Gospel message], so walk in Him [by faith in the voice of the Spirit], 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith [doctrine], as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy [false doctrines] and empty deceit [falseness, trickery], according to the tradition of men*, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him [nothing to add or improve], who is the head of all principality and power.
*To understand what is meant by "the traditions of men", read Mark 7:1-13, which will bring a lot of clarity in this regard.
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