Primary Scripture
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Plain explanation
Not under law means sin and condemnation no longer rule you, not that commandments no longer matter.
Common assumption
Not under law means not obligated to obey commandments.
Scripture-defined meaning
Romans 6:14 says sin shall not have dominion because believers are not under law as condemnation but under grace. Paul does not define grace as freedom to transgress.
Confirming witnesses
- Immediate explanation: Romans 6:12-13,15
The surrounding verses identify sin's dominion as the problem and immediately reject sinning because believers are under grace. - Lexical usage: Galatians 5:18
Paul uses not under law in a Spirit-versus-flesh context, not as permission to disregard commandments. - Prophetic purpose: Ezekiel 36:26-27
The promised Spirit causes YAHUAH's people to walk in His statutes and judgments. - Apostolic confirmation: Titus 2:11-14
Grace teaches righteous living and forms a purified people zealous for good works.
Takeaway
Not under law means not under sin's dominion and condemnation, not freedom from obedience.
Context reflection
Where has grace been used to excuse what grace came to destroy?