Understanding “Not Being Under the Law”
Greg Witter
Hebraic Mindset Studies
Paul’s phrase “not under the law” primarily refers to the condemnation and curse of the law. The law, given through Moses, was a set of commandments that revealed sin and its consequences. However, it also brought condemnation because no one could perfectly keep it. Paul explains that through יהושׁוּע (Yahûshûa (Jesus)), believers are freed from this condemnation and the curse of sin.
Paul’s teachings on not being “under the law” refer to being freed from the condemnation and curse of the law through Yahûshûa HaMashiach. The law, which is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12), reveals sin and its consequences, acting as a mirror to show us our flaws and drive us to seek cleansing through Yahûshûa. Paul emphasizes that faith in Yahûshûa establishes the law (Romans 3:31) and that the law serves as a guide and light for our path (Psalm 119:105). By understanding these concepts from a Hebraic perspective, we see how Paul’s teachings are deeply rooted in the Old Testament and reveal the fulfillment of God’s promises through Yahûshûa.
Key Concepts:
Condemnation of the Law: The law reveals sin and brings condemnation. Romans 3:20 says, “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in Elohim/God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” Additionally, Romans 7:7 states, “What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law.”
Curse of Sin: The law brings a curse because it demands perfect obedience, which is impossible. Galatians 3:10-13 explains, “For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.’…Messiah redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.”
Wages of Sin: Sin leads to death, but through Yahûshûa, believers receive eternal life. Romans 6:23 proclaims, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of Elohim/God is eternal life in Messiah Yahûshûa our Lord.”
Freedom from the Curse: Yahûshûa redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. Galatians 3:13 again affirms, “Messiah redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'”
Bondage and Slavery of Sin: Before faith in Yahûshûa, people are slaves to sin, but through Him, they are set free. Romans 6:6-7 declares, “For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.”
Bought with a Price: Believers are bought with the precious blood of Yahûshûa and are now bound to Him. 1 Corinthians 6:20 and 7:23 remind us, “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor Elohim/God with your bodies,” and “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.”
Paul’s View on the Law
Paul acknowledges the law as holy, righteous, and good. In Romans 7:12, he states, “So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.” He emphasizes that the law itself is not sinful but reveals sin and its consequences (Romans 7:7-13). Paul also asserts that faith does not nullify the law; instead, it establishes the law (Romans 3:31).
Paul uses the analogy of the law as a mirror. The law shows us how we look to our Creator, our Messiah, our Savior, our King. It reveals our flaws and drives us to seek cleansing through Yahûshûa. As Paul explains, “The purpose of the law is to convict you of your sin and drive you to Messiah for cleansing.”
The Law as Our Guide and Light
The Old Testament frequently describes the law as a guide and light for our path, keeping us out of danger and sin, and ensuring our safety within the sheepfold:
Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Proverbs 6:23: “For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life.”
Psalm 19:8: “The precepts of Yahuah are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of Yahuah are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
Psalm 119:130: “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
Isaiah 51:4: “Pay attention to Me, O My people, and give ear to Me, O My nation; for a law will go forth from Me, and I will set My justice for a light of the peoples.”
Paul’s Theological Concepts in Romans
Paul’s teachings in Romans are built on the fulfillment of the promises made by the prophets, the unique religious heritage of the Yahudim (Jewish people), and the righteousness that comes through faith in Yahûshûa. Here are some key points:
Fulfillment of Promises: Paul emphasizes that Yahûshûa is the fulfillment of the promises made to the patriarchs and the prophets. Romans 1:2-3 and 15:8-9 affirm, “The gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding His Son…For I tell you that Messiah has become a servant of the Yahudim on behalf of Elohim/God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed.”
Covenant and Law: Paul acknowledges the importance of the covenant and the law but explains that righteousness comes through faith, not the law. Romans 3:21-22 and 4:13-16 state, “But now apart from the law the righteousness of Elohim/God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Yahûshûa HaMashiach to all who believe…It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.”
Righteousness through Faith: Paul teaches that righteousness is credited to those who have faith in Yahûshûa, just as Abraham was justified by faith. Romans 4:3 and 4:22-25 explain, “What does Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed Elohim/God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’…This is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness.’ The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom Elohim/God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in Him who raised Yahûshûa our Master from the dead.”
Old Testament References in Paul’s Writings
Paul frequently quotes or alludes to Old Testament scriptures to support his teachings. Here are some examples:
Romans 1:17: “The righteous will live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).
Romans 4:3: “Abraham believed Elohim/God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6).
Romans 9:25-26: Quotes from Hosea to explain Elohim/God’s mercy on the Gentiles (Hosea 2:23, 1:10).
Romans 10:13: “Everyone who calls on the name of Yahuah will be saved” (Joel 2:32).
Romans 11:8: Quotes from Deuteronomy and Isaiah to explain Israel’s spiritual blindness (Deuteronomy 29:4, Isaiah 29:10).
Romans 3:10-18: A compilation of quotes from Psalms and Isaiah to describe the universality of sin (Psalms 14:1-3, 5:9, 140:3, 10:7; Isaiah 59:7-8).
Romans 4:7-8: Quotes from Psalms to explain the blessedness of forgiveness (Psalms 32:1-2).
Romans 15:9-12: Quotes from Psalms, Deuteronomy, and Isaiah to show the inclusion of the Gentiles (Psalms 18:49; Deuteronomy 32:43; Isaiah 11:10).
Deeper Understanding of Old Testament Concepts
Paul’s deep understanding of the Old Testament is evident in his writings. He uses the law, the prophets, and the writings to explain complex theological concepts:
The Law: Paul explains that the law was a tutor to lead us to Yahûshûa, but now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor (Galatians 3:24-25). He also states that the law brings out sin in us (Romans 7:7) and that the law brings a curse, but we have been redeemed (Galatians 3:10-14).
The Prophets: Paul shows that the prophets foretold the coming of Yahûshûa and the inclusion of the Gentiles (Romans 9:25-26, 15:9-12). He frequently quotes Isaiah to support his teachings (Romans 9:27-29, 10:16, 11:26-27).
The Writings: Paul uses the Psalms and other writings to explain the righteousness that comes through faith (Romans 4:6-8, 10:18). He also quotes from the Psalms to describe the universality of sin (Romans 3:10-18).
By understanding these concepts from a Hebraic Biblical perspective, we can see how Paul’s teachings are deeply rooted in the Old Testament and how they reveal the fulfillment of Elohim/God’s promises through Yahûshûa HaMashiach. This perspective helps us walk as Yahûshûa walked, adhering to the instructions of the covenant while holding fast to His testimony.
Discussion/Study questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says “Not under the law”?
Answer: When Paul says “not under the law,” he primarily refers to believers being freed from the condemnation and curse that the law brings. The law, given through Moses, exposes sin and its consequences. However, because no one can perfectly keep the law, it results in condemnation. In Romans 6:14, Paul states, “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” This means that through Yahûshûa (Jesus), believers are no longer under the law’s penalty but are instead under grace. This grace provides forgiveness and righteousness through faith in Yahûshûa, liberating believers from the law’s curse and the dominion of sin.
2. Understanding Condemnation:
Question: How does Paul describe the role of the law in revealing sin and bringing condemnation? Refer to Romans 3:20 and 7:7. How does this understanding impact our view of the law today?
Answer: In Romans 3:20, Paul explains that “no one will be declared righteous in Elohim/God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” This indicates that the primary role of the law is to reveal sin rather than to provide a means for righteousness. In Romans 7:7, Paul states, “I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law.” Thus, the law serves as a mirror showing humanity their sinful nature and need for redemption. Understanding this helps us see the law not as a means of salvation but as a guide that points us to our need for Yahûshûa.
3. The Curse of the Law:
Question: What does Paul mean by the “curse of the law” in Galatians 3:10-13? How does Yahûshûa redeem us from this curse, and what significance does this have for believers?
Answer: In Galatians 3:10-13, Paul discusses the curse associated with the law, stating that “all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse.” This curse is due to the impossibility of perfectly keeping the law. Yahûshûa redeems us from this curse by becoming a curse for us: “Messiah redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” This redemption means that believers are no longer condemned by the law’s inability to be perfectly kept and are instead justified through faith in Yahûshûa.
4. Freedom and Slavery:
Question: Discuss Paul’s view on the transition from being slaves to sin to being set free through Yahûshûa (Romans 6:6-7, 8:2). How does this transformation affect a believer’s daily life and spiritual journey?
Answer: In Romans 6:6-7, Paul writes, “For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” In Romans 8:2, he adds, “because through Messiah Yahûshûa the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” This transition signifies a fundamental change in identity and nature for believers. Through faith in Yahûshûa, they are no longer bound by the power of sin but are set free to live a life led by the Spirit, reflecting their new status as children of Elohim/God.
5. The Role of Faith and Law:
Question: In Romans 3:31, Paul asserts that faith establishes the law. How do faith and law coexist in Paul’s theology? What does this mean for our understanding of obedience and righteousness?
Answer: In Romans 3:31, Paul states, “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” This suggests that faith does not make the law obsolete but rather fulfills its true purpose. The law’s role is to point out sin and lead people to Yahûshûa. Through faith in Yahûshûa, believers establish the law by recognizing its value in revealing sin and pointing to the necessity of Yahûshûa’s redemptive work. Thus, obedience to the law becomes an expression of faith and a response to the grace received through Yahûshûa.
6. Old Testament Foundations:
Question: How does Paul use Old Testament scriptures to support his teachings in Romans (e.g., Romans 1:17, 4:3, 10:13)? Choose one or two examples and discuss how these references enhance our understanding of Paul’s message.
Answer: Paul often uses Old Testament scriptures to validate his teachings. For example, in Romans 1:17, he quotes Habakkuk 2:4, “The righteous will live by faith,” to emphasize that righteousness comes through faith, not the law. In Romans 4:3, he refers to Genesis 15:6, “Abraham believed Elohim/God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” illustrating that righteousness by faith is a longstanding principle, not a new concept. These references demonstrate the continuity of Elohim/God’s plan and how Yahûshûa’s work is the fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
7. Righteousness Through Faith:
Question: Explore Paul’s teaching on righteousness through faith using Romans 4:3 and 4:22-25. How does Paul use Abraham’s example to illustrate this concept? How can this principle be applied to our lives today?
Answer: In Romans 4:3 and 4:22-25, Paul explains that “Abraham believed Elohim/God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Paul uses Abraham’s example to show that righteousness is a result of faith, not works, and acting on that faith, believing. Abraham’s faith in Elohim/God’s promises was counted as righteousness, setting a precedent for all believers. This teaches us that faith in Yahûshûa is what justifies us before Elohim/God. Believers today are encouraged to trust in Yahûshûa’s finished work on the cross, just as Abraham trusted in Elohim/God’s promises.
8. The Law as a Guide and Light:
Question: Reflect on the Old Testament descriptions of the law as a guide and light (e.g., Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 6:23). How can these descriptions influence our attitude towards the law and its role in our spiritual walk?
Answer: The Old Testament describes the law as a guide and light. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Proverbs 6:23 states, “For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life.” These descriptions illustrate the protective and guiding nature of the law, which helps believers navigate their spiritual journey and avoid sin. Recognizing the law as a light for our path can inspire us to value its teachings and see it as an essential part of our relationship with Elohim/God, leading us to live in accordance with His will.
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