“But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.” 1 Timothy 1:8
Thus, the law is not to be cast out, but used for God’s intended purpose. Not being under the law is not about abandoning the principles set forth by the laws, but no longer being under the legal systemof applying the principles of the laws that God imposed upon the nation of Israel under the old covenant.
Jesus set forth that the New Testament is not about destroying the law, but fulfilling it=”to carry out something promised; to fill the requirements of; to complete; (and in the case of the legal system) to bring an end to. Matthew 5:15 – “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” And in Matthew 5:19, He affirms that the fulfillment is not a license to breaking the law, but is to be the aligning of our teachings with the law.
The Book of Hebrews rightly divides the Word of Truth on this great subject: how that even though we are not under the legal system that imposed the law under the old covenant, that everything that the Old Testament set forth, was the foreshadowing of the truth of Christ, His great work of redemption, and the doctrines of God.
From the principles of God’s law, the New Testament says: Romans 7:7 – “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law.” 1 John 3:4 – “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”
By applying the principles of the law, we are able to discern what is spiritual from what is carnal, Romans 7:14.
By the law, we are able to recognize God’s standards for what is holy, Romans 7:12a.
We develop (grow) our understanding about what is just and good from the law, Romans 7:12b.
The principles set forth in all scripture, which necessarily includes the law, are the correct principles that true New Testament doctrine are based upon, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
The law is what the Holy Spirit uses to bring about real repentance, unto faith in Christ – “…the schoolmaster that brings us unto Christ…” Galatians 3:22,24. To be told that one is a sinner, without knowing what sin is, does not afford the needed realization of the personal guilt of sin, which is essential to real repentance unto: “God, be merciful, unto me a sinner…” Luke 18:13-14
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