Paul uses that term “under the law” three times in the Book of Romans and five times in the Book of Galatians. What is confusing to some is that he means something different when using that phrase in these two letters. (Remember Peter warned that Paul wrote some things hard to understand by those who were spiritually unstable and not all that familiar with God’s Word!)
When using that phrase in Romans 3:19 and 6:14 and 15, Paul means that the redeemed are no longer under THE PENALTY OR CONDEMNATION OF THE LAW as Jesus Christ has died paying that penalty for us. We are now under the gracious pardon of God.
When using that phrase “under the law” in the Galatian letter, Paul is stating that believers are no longer obligated to observing the sacrificial and ceremonial laws of Moses. Males no longer need to be physically circumcised. We need not offer sacrifices at the temple, etc.
One need only look at the context closely in these passages to discern what I have stated above..
Regarding the moral law, Paul wrote again and again how he loved that law and stated that God’s moral law was holy, and just and good. He warned that when we break that law we dishonor God! He stated clearly that only the DOERS of the law would be justified, not the hearers only. And he stated that God’s moral law has dominion over a man as long as that man lives! (See Romans 2:13, 23, 25, 26 and 27. Also Romans 3:31 and Romans 7:12, 16, and 22, as well as Romans 8:4).
How any thinking mind can believe the apostle Paul belittled God’s moral law amazes me. Those having such a mindset have had their minds darkened and are walking in profound error.
Christ’s Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley