3272.-Under the Law by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Nov 1, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 43.

3272.—Under the Law

By Editor

Please tell me the meaning of 1 Cor. 9:21 in regard to the law. J. O. J.

"Under the law," with the exception of its occurrence in Rom. 3:19 and 1 Cor. 9:21, means under the condemnation of the law. "Under the law" is the opposite of having one's sins forgiven, or being "under grace." Rom. 6:14, 15. To be "under the law" is to be under the lordship of sin, and those under the dominion of sin are condemned by the law. The expression in Rom. 3:19 comes from the Greek, en to nomo, literally "within the law," subject to its scope and jurisdiction. In 1 Cor. 9:21 we have en nomos, which ought to be "within law to Christ." All other expressions come from hupo nomon, which means literally "under the law," or "under law." In the light of these simple facts read 1 Cor. 9:21. To the Jews Paul counted himself a Jew, as he really was; to them under the law, or sinners, he counted himself also a sinner, even the chief of sinners, in order that he might win sinners. To those who had no knowledge of the written law of God, he placed himself alongside them, poor and ignorant; yet he was not free from God's law, and was bound within law to the grace of Christ, to serve and win all. The apostle placed himself alongside all men that he might win all. See tract, "Under the Law, or Under Grace?" "Bible Students' Library," No. 163.