Freedom and the law

Jesus Christ sets believers free from the law

Jesus Christ’s life of perfect obedience to the law was the fulfilment of it

Matthew 5:17 KJV 1900

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

See also Ga 4:4–5; 1 Pe 2:22

Jesus Christ’s death fulfils the demands of the law

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV 1900

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

See also Heb 7:27; Heb 9:11; Heb 9:26–28; Heb 10:11–14; 1 Pe 2:24; 1 Pe 3:18

On account of Jesus Christ’s death, believers can be righteous independently of the law

Romans 3:21–26 KJV 1900

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

See also Jn 1:17; Ro 10:4; Php 3:9

Believers are set free from the law’s condemnation

Galatians 3:21–25 KJV 1900

Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

See also Ro 6:1–14; Ro 7:1–6; Ga 3:13; Ga 4:5; Ga 4:21–31 The lives of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael and Isaac are interpreted figuratively, to illustrate the believer’s freedom from the law’s condemnation; Ga 5:1; Eph 2:14–15; Col 2:13–14

The freedom of believers rests on the power of the Holy Spirit

Ro 7:1–6; 2 Co 3:17–18

See also Ro 8:1–17; Ga 5:16–18; Ga 5:22–26

The believer’s freedom to obey the law voluntarily

Psalm 119:32 KJV 1900

I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart.

See also Ps 37:31; Ps 119:45; Ps 119:97; Je 31:33; 2 Co 3:3; Jas 1:25; Jas 2:12