You’ve probably heard the phrase “under grace, not under law” tossed around in sermons or Bible studies. Maybe it left you nodding along—or scratching your head. What does it actually mean? Is grace just a free pass to do whatever we want? And if we’re not under law, does that mean the Ten Commandments are irrelevant? Let’s cut through the confusion and get to the heart of what Paul meant when he dropped that truth bomb in Romans 6:14.
The Law Was Never Meant to Save You
Let’s be real—the law is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12). But it was never designed to make you righteous. Its job? To expose sin, like a spiritual X-ray machine. Think about it: you don’t put a cast on a healthy arm. The law shows us the fracture, but it doesn’t heal it. That’s where grace storms in.
Ever tried to keep the whole law? Spoiler: you can’t. James 2:10 says if you stumble at one point, you’re guilty of all. The law demands perfection, and guess what? We’re not perfect. Grace, on the other hand, meets us in our mess and says, “I’ve got you.”
Grace Isn’t a License to Sin (But You Knew That)
Some folks panic—If we’re not under law, won’t people just go wild? Paul anticipated that objection (Romans 6:1). Grace isn’t permission to sin; it’s power over sin. Legalism says, “Do this, or God will reject you.” Grace says, “You’re already accepted—now let’s live like it.”
Imagine two kids: one obeys their dad out of fear of punishment, the other out of love. Which relationship is healthier? The law breeds fear; grace fuels love. And love? It’s a far stronger motivator than guilt.
The Law’s Role vs. Grace’s Reign
Here’s where things get juicy. The law reveals sin (Romans 3:20), but grace removes it. The law condemns, but grace cleanses. The law says, “You owe a debt,” grace says, “Paid in full.”
But wait—does that mean the law is useless now? Not at all. It still teaches us God’s heart. But we don’t approach it like a checklist for salvation. Instead, we see it through the lens of Christ’s fulfillment (Matthew 5:17). He didn’t abolish it; He elevated it.
Living Under Grace: What Does That Look Like?
Okay, so we’re not under law. What now?
🔹 Freedom, Not Fear – You’re not scrambling to earn God’s favor. It’s already yours.
🔹 Relationship, Not Rules – You’re not serving a system; you’re walking with a Person.
🔹 Power, Not Pressure – The Spirit enables what the law could only demand.
Grace doesn’t lower the bar—it lifts us over it. The law said, “Don’t murder.” Jesus said, “Don’t even harbor hatred.” But here’s the kicker: He also gives us the heart to live it out.
The Trap of Mixing Law and Grace
Ever tried to mix oil and water? That’s law and grace. They don’t blend. Galatians 5:4 is brutal: if you try to be justified by law, you’ve “fallen from grace.” Ouch.
Religion loves to slap conditions on God’s love: “Pray more, give more, try harder.” Grace flips the script: “You’re loved. Now rest, trust, and let that love transform you.”
The Big Misunderstanding About “Cheap Grace”
Some argue grace makes people lazy. But real grace isn’t cheap—it cost Jesus everything. And if we truly grasp it, we won’t take it lightly. A forgiven heart wants to obey. Legalism produces grudging compliance; grace produces joyful surrender.
Final Thought: Stop Trying, Start Trusting
If you’re exhausted from rule-keeping, breathe deep. You’re not under law. You’re under grace—loved, accepted, and empowered. That doesn’t mean sin doesn’t matter. It means sin no longer defines you.
So next time someone asks, “Aren’t you worried people will abuse grace?” smile and say, “Nope. Because once you’ve tasted real grace, you won’t want anything else.”
Now that’s good news. 🚀