In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 6:11-14

Sin and grace, for Paul, are opposed. Grace cancels the guilt sin induces in the condition of the soul. Sin and law, on the other hand, are linked; law identifies sin, makes it real in the mind of the sinner, induces the awareness of guilt.

As Grace-filled, Spiritual people, followers of Christ are to set aside the burden of the law and take up the lighter load of Grace. Grace still requires a faithful commitment as a response to the one granting it. Grace is a condition that the soul can’t create for itself but we can maintain our contact with.

We no longer allow sin to command us, thus satisfying the law, but we also no longer allow sin to command us, satisfying Grace. Further, while the law instructed in prohibitions and explicit instructions (thou shalt not), Grace engenders a posture of the heart which compels faithful living even when direct, precise instruction is not possible. Grace leads to faithfulness and devotion to the one who granted it from thankful, though meager, reciprocation and not through dictated obligation.

Ethan Kirl