What does it mean to be under grace rather than under the law?

In contrast to being under the law, which demands perfect obedience and exposes human sinfulness, being under grace signifies a state in which believers are no longer bound by the stipulations of the Old Covenant. Galatians 4:4-5 illustrates how Christ's incarnation and redemptive work shifted believers from the law's condemnation to a position of grace before God. In this state, salvation is not earned by works; rather, it is a gift of God that comes through faith in Christ. This transforms the relationship with God from being strictly legalistic to one characterized by grace and acceptance through the beloved Son.