Under what condition are New Testament believers considered to be under obligation to the law?

New Testament believers are considered to be under grace from the law fulfilled by Christ because the New Testament presents a shift from the Old Covenant, which was based on adherence to the law, to the New Covenant established through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This means that the requirements of the law that demanded perfect obedience for justification are fulfilled in Christ. As a result, believers are no longer bound by the ceremonial and civil aspects of the Old Testament law but are called to live in the grace and freedom provided through their faith in Christ.

This grace does not negate the moral imperatives that stem from the law, but it transforms the relationship believers have with the law. Instead of viewing obedience as a means to earn salvation or righteousness, believers approach it as a response to the grace already given to them through Christ's atonement. This understanding emphasizes the importance of grace in the life of a believer and reflects the transformative nature of New Testament theology, wherein believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out God's commandments not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has accomplished.