Primary Scripture
Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Plain explanation
Paul directly says grace is not permission to keep sinning.
Common assumption
Paul's correction is ignored when grace is used as permission to sin.
Scripture-defined meaning
Romans 6:15 is Paul's immediate rejection of the misuse of grace: being under grace is not permission to sin. This verse must govern how Romans 6:14 is read.
Confirming witnesses
- Immediate explanation: Romans 6:16-18
Paul says obedience determines whom a person serves and that freedom from sin makes believers servants of righteousness. - Lexical usage: Galatians 5:13
The same liberty doctrine is guarded from becoming an occasion for the flesh. - Prophetic purpose: Ezekiel 18:21-23
The prophetic call is to turn from transgression, keep YAHUAH's statutes, and live. - Apostolic confirmation: 1 John 3:4-7
John defines sin as lawlessness and warns that the righteous person practices righteousness.
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?