Under the Law and Under Grace
“Under the law” (hupo nomon) does not mean under obligation to keep the law, but under condemnation of the law. Every transgressor of the law is “under the law,” whatever his profession. Every intelligent being in the universe is subject to God’s law, and in duty bound to obey Him. There is one thing and only one which prevents obedience. Whoever refuses obedience would do well to examine his heart in the light of this word: “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Rom. 8:7. But the sinner—“under the law,” condemned by the law—may come through Jesus Christ, with submission, and grace freely pardons; the sin is cleansed, the condemnation removed, and the man is no longer under the law, but under grace. And then through grace he may live so that “sin shall not have dominion over” him.