For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
What then? shall we sin (transgress the law), because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
When Paul says things like "we are not under the law, but under grace". He is not saying that the law does not apply. Notice the word "but" used here. "But" means, "on the contrary".
Finish these statements:
I'm not cold, but ___________.
I'm not poor, but ___________.
I'm not healthy, but _________.
If I said, "I am not cold, but hot", that would make sense. If I said, "I am not cold, but rich", that would not make sense. What ever I say after "but" has to be contrary to the first part of my statement.
Is "grace" contrary to "law"? NO! "Grace" is the same as "mercy" or "pardon". Just as the analogy of the speeder having his ticket paid for (top of Introduction to Bible Law 101), "grace" was the time where the son paid the fine. "Grace" is not contrary to "Law"! "Grace" is contrary to "Penalty of the law"! In the above verse, "under the law" is the same thing as being under the penalty of the law (sin having dominion over someone).
