Why does Paul emphasize grace over law in Romans 6:15? Canonical Text “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Absolutely not!” (Romans 6:15) Literary Context: Romans 5–6 Paul has just declared that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more (5:20). Anticipating the charge of antinomianism, he poses two rhetorical questions (6:1; 6:15). The first (6:1) concerns continuing in sin, the second (6:15) concerns occasional acts of sin. Between them, 6:2–14 explains the believer’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection, showing why grace produces holiness rather than moral laxity. Key Terms and Grammar • “Not under law” (hypo nomon) denotes release from the Mosaic covenant as a legal covenant of life (cf. Galatians 3:24–25). • “Under grace” (hypo charin) signals transfer into the sphere of Christ’s New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Luke 22:20). • “Sin” (hamartanein) is a present-active verb—continuous or repeated acts. • “Absolutely not!” (mē genoito) is Paul’s strongest Greek denial; it carries moral revulsion, not mere disagreement. The Law’s Divine Purpose The law is “holy, righteous, and good” (Romans 7:12), yet never designed to justify (Galatians 2:16). It serves to reveal sin (Romans 3:20) and point toward the promised Seed (Galatians 3:19). Its sacrifices, priesthood, and moral stipulations prefigure Christ (Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 10:1). Once the antitype arrives, the type no longer governs covenant membership. Grace as Covenant Principle Grace (charis) is God’s unmerited favor manifested supremely in the crucified and risen Christ (Romans 3:24–26). It is both forensic—declaring the believer righteous (5:1)—and transformative—raising the believer to “walk in newness of life” (6:4). Thus, grace supplies what law could demand but never impart: the indwelling Holy Spirit (8:2–4). Union with Christ: The Engine of Sanctification Through Spirit-wrought baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection (6:3–5), believers die to the dominion of sin. The verb “rule” (kurieuō, 6:14) pictures sin as a dethroned tyrant. Grace installs a new monarch—Christ—who empowers obedience from the heart (6:17). Grace Does Not License Sin Paul’s emphatic denial in 6:15 hinges on lordship. Everyone serves either Sin leading to death or obedience leading to righteousness (6:16). Grace changes masters; it never abolishes mastery. Freedom from the law’s condemnation ushers believers into “the law of the Spirit of life” (8:2). Continuity of Grace in the Old Testament Noah “found grace” (Genesis 6:8), Abraham was justified by faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3), and David extolled forgiveness apart from works (Psalm 32:1–2; Romans 4:6–8). Paul’s argument, therefore, is not innovation but culmination; grace predates the Sinai covenant and climaxes in Christ. Christ’s Fulfillment of the Law Jesus claims He came “not to abolish the Law…but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). His atoning death satisfies its penal demands (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). His resurrection inaugurates the New Covenant ministry of the Spirit (Acts 2:33), writing God’s law on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10). Early Church Interpretation Irenaeus argued that grace empowers obedience, not lawlessness (Against Heresies 4.13.3). Augustine countered Pelagian claims by citing Romans 6:15 to prove that divine grace initiates and sustains holiness (On Grace and Free Will ch. 14). Archaeological and Historical Corroboration The Erastus inscription (Corinth, 1st century) validates Paul’s social milieu (Romans 16:23). Ossuary findings corroborate crucifixion practices, illuminating the cost of the grace Paul extols. Such discoveries reinforce the historical credibility of the apostolic witness. Practical Implications for the Believer 1. Assurance: Freedom from condemnation fuels joyful obedience (Romans 8:1). 2. Mortification: Grace equips believers to “put to death the deeds of the body” (8:13). 3. Mission: Liberated lives showcase God’s glory, drawing others to Christ (Matthew 5:16). Common Objections Answered • “Grace leads to moral chaos.” Not when rightly understood; it produces Spirit-empowered virtue (Galatians 5:22–23). • “Law is obsolete.” Moral law is fulfilled, not discarded; its substance is internalized (Romans 13:8–10). • “We need additional rituals.” Christ’s finished work renders supplementary merits unnecessary (Hebrews 7:25). Conclusion Paul emphasizes grace over law in Romans 6:15 because only grace—bestowed through the crucified and risen Christ—breaks sin’s dominion, fulfills the law’s righteous requirement, and unites believers to God’s transformative life. Far from excusing sin, grace establishes the very power and motivation to live holy, Christ-centered lives. |
    |