The concept of being "released from the law through Christ" is a significant theological theme in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. This doctrine addresses the relationship between the Mosaic Law and the new covenant established through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the transition from the old covenant, based on adherence to the law, to the new covenant, characterized by grace and faith in Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul articulates this doctrine most clearly in his epistle to the Romans. In Romans 7:4-6 , Paul writes, "Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. For when we lived according to the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, bearing fruit to death. But now, having died to what bound us, we have been released from the law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code."

This passage highlights the believer's death to the law through Christ's body, signifying a release from the law's binding authority. The purpose of this release is to enable believers to "belong to another," namely, Christ, and to "bear fruit to God" through the Spirit.

The Role of the Law

The Mosaic Law, given to Israel, served as a tutor or guardian until the coming of Christ. In Galatians 3:24-25 , Paul explains, "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian." The law's role was to reveal sin and the need for a Savior, pointing to the necessity of faith in Christ for justification.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law

Jesus Christ fulfilled the law's requirements through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death. In Matthew 5:17 , Jesus declares, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them." By fulfilling the law, Christ established a new covenant, rendering the old covenant obsolete for those who are in Him.

Freedom in Christ

The release from the law through Christ brings freedom from the law's condemnation and the power of sin. In Romans 8:1-2 , Paul assures believers, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death." This freedom is not a license to sin but an empowerment to live according to the Spirit.

Living by the Spirit

The new way of the Spirit contrasts with the old way of the written code. Believers are called to live by the Spirit, producing the fruit of righteousness. In Galatians 5:16-18 , Paul exhorts, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."

Implications for Believers

The release from the law through Christ has profound implications for Christian living. It signifies a shift from legalism to grace, from self-effort to reliance on the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to embrace their identity in Christ, living in the freedom and power of the Spirit, and bearing fruit that glorifies God. This new life in Christ is marked by love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit, reflecting the character of Christ to the world.