ANALYSIS,

Paul, having shown, in the preceding section, that union with Christ secures not only the pardon, but the destruction of sin, exhorts his bre- thren to live agreeably to the nature and design of the gospel, vs. 12, 13. As an encouragment in their efforts to resist their corruptions, he assures them that sin shall not have dominion over them, because they are not under the law, but under grace, v. 14. This is another fundamental prin- ciple in the doctrine of sanctification. Holiness is not attained and can- not be attained by those who, being under the law, are still unreconciled to God. It is necessary that we should enjoy his favour in order to ex- ercise towards him right affections. This doctrine is not justly liable to the objection, that we may sin with impunity if not under the law, V. 15. The true situation of the Christian is illustrated by a reference to the relation between a servant and his master. Believers, before con- version, were the servants of sin ; after it, they are the servants of right- eousness. Formerly they were under an influence which secured their obedience to evil ; now they are under an influence whicn secures their obedience to good. The consequence of the former service was death ;