"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace,"–Romans 6:14
Many people think that the best way to curb crime and restore justice is to continue to institute new laws and regulations for every situation. However, such a method does not change the nature of man. While the law may restrain a criminal, it cannot change him.
The same is true in the salvation of sinners. Many preachers feel that by preaching the Law of God, sinners will conform themselves to it and thereby be transformed. However, the Scriptures are clear that the Law of God cannot justify a sinner apart from it being perfectly fulfilled. Since there are none righteous, no not one, then it is clear that "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in God's sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin," Romans 3:20.
On the other hand, many have a false view of God's grace. There are two particular points of ignorance that need to be clarified from the Word. First, is the notion that somehow God manifests His grace apart from a complete satisfaction of His Law. God did not set aside His law, in order to show mercy to sinners. Rather, He charged His Son as Mediator and Substitute, to fulfill the Law on behalf of elect sinners, in order that He might be a Just God and a Savior, Isa. 45:21; Rom.3: 26.
Second, there is the notion that somehow an additional work of the Law is necessary to help grace keep the believer in line, after the initial work of grace has been done in redemption and regeneration. Notice the text in Romans 6:14. It says that sin shall not reign in the believer because he is under the rule of grace. When it says that he is not under law it means simply that he is not under the Old Testament law for righteousness. Why? It is because the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled it on his behalf. Does this mean that he will then be lawless? God forbid! The grace of God not only saves but also keeps. It reigns in the heart and moves and motivates the believer to hunger and thirst after Christ and His righteousness, and to live for His glory.
When Christ enters the heart, He quickens it and establishes there His throne and kingdom. His Spirit transfers sinners from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. That light is the light of Christ, in grace and righteousness. Under the covenant of God's grace in Christ, the believer enjoys the full benefits as child of God and joint heir with Christ. The grace of God leads and teaches him to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, Titus 2:11. Believer, the possession of the grace of justification and pardon all contribute to strongly influence you to live soberly and righteously in this world. The regenerating and sanctifying grace of God is not just a doctrine to believe, but THE PRINCIPLE by which you live!