Are Christians Under Law?

Misused Passages Rom 6:14 – For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Rom 6:14 – For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. To what “law” was Paul referring? To what “law” was Paul referring? A “law” that allows for no “grace” because it offers no forgiveness. A “law” that allows for no “grace” because it offers no forgiveness.

Misused Passages John 1:17 – For the law was given through Moses, but grace & truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 – For the law was given through Moses, but grace & truth came through Jesus Christ. Does “grace & truth” exclude ALL law? Does “grace & truth” exclude ALL law?

Misused Passages Eph 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith, & that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. Eph 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith, & that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. Does “faith” exclude ALL law? Does “faith” exclude ALL law?

What is Law? Webster’s: “all the rules of conduct established & enforced by the authority, legislation or custom of a given community, state or other group.” Webster’s: “all the rules of conduct established & enforced by the authority, legislation or custom of a given community, state or other group.”

Purpose of Law To minister on behalf of God (Rom 13:4). To minister on behalf of God (Rom 13:4). To terrorize evildoers with the threat of punishment (13:3). To terrorize evildoers with the threat of punishment (13:3). To avenge injustice & lawlessness by executing wrath on the offender (13:4). To avenge injustice & lawlessness by executing wrath on the offender (13:4). To explain what we may & may not do. To explain what we may & may not do. To provide for a “quiet & peaceable life” (1 Tim 2:2) To provide for a “quiet & peaceable life” (1 Tim 2:2)

Does the NT have Laws? Law of Christ (Gal 6:2; 1 Cor 9:21) Law of Christ (Gal 6:2; 1 Cor 9:21) Law of Faith (Rom 3:27) Law of Faith (Rom 3:27) Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1-2; Jn 6:63) Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1-2; Jn 6:63) Perfect Law of Liberty (Jas 1:21-25) Perfect Law of Liberty (Jas 1:21-25) Royal Law (Jas 2:8-12) Royal Law (Jas 2:8-12) Christians are NOT free from responsibility to law!

Christians Are Under Law! God is a Lawgiver (Jas 4:11-12) God is a Lawgiver (Jas 4:11-12) Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4) Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4) Jesus commands (Matt 28:20; Luke 6:46; Eph 5:17) Jesus commands (Matt 28:20; Luke 6:46; Eph 5:17) Blessed if obey (Rev 22:14) Blessed if obey (Rev 22:14) Father’s will (Matt 7:21; Lk 6:46; Eph 5:17) Father’s will (Matt 7:21; Lk 6:46; Eph 5:17) Apostles’ authority (Matt 16:19, 18:18) Apostles’ authority (Matt 16:19, 18:18) Apostles command (Acts 15; 1 Cor 14:37) Apostles command (Acts 15; 1 Cor 14:37) Evangelists command (1 Tim 4:11; 1 Pet 1:12) Evangelists command (1 Tim 4:11; 1 Pet 1:12)

Benefits of Spiritual Law Identifies Sin (Rom 3:20; 7:13; 1 Tim 1:9-10) Identifies Sin (Rom 3:20; 7:13; 1 Tim 1:9-10) Gives Guidance (Jer 10:23; John 8:31-32) Gives Guidance (Jer 10:23; John 8:31-32) Brings Peace & Unity (Acts 2:46) Brings Peace & Unity (Acts 2:46) Observe NO law – Receive NO blessing!

Who Must Keep the Law of Christ? Christians Christians (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 1 Pet 2:2; 1 Cor 8:7; Rom 15:1; Eph 4:11-13; Heb 5:12-14; 2 Pet 1:5-11; 2 Thess 3:6, 14) (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 1 Pet 2:2; 1 Cor 8:7; Rom 15:1; Eph 4:11-13; Heb 5:12-14; 2 Pet 1:5-11; 2 Thess 3:6, 14) Non Christians Non Christians (1 Pet 4:17-18; Jn 12:48; Acts 17:30-31; 2 Cor 5:10) (1 Pet 4:17-18; Jn 12:48; Acts 17:30-31; 2 Cor 5:10)

Salvation in Christ learned from His Law Believe the good news about Jesus Christ John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Repent or turn from your sins Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31 Confess your faith in Christ Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Be immersed in water Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Live in obedient faith 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10