Why the Church Talks About Sin—And Even More About Grace
Why Talk About Sin at All?
Have you ever noticed how uncomfortable the word sin can make a room?
For many people, it sounds harsh. Judgmental. Maybe even outdated. Some carry church wounds where “sin” felt more like a weapon than a doorway to hope.
So why does the church still use that word—especially during Lent?
Lent is the 40-day season before Easter when Christians slow down, reflect, and prepare their hearts for the cross and resurrection of Jesus. It’s a quieter season. An honest one.
And honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable, can be a gift.
What Does “Sin” Really Mean?
In the Bible, sin doesn’t simply mean “being bad.” It means missing the mark. Falling short of the life God created us for. Turning inward instead of outward in love. Trusting ourselves more than we trust God.
It describes something we all experience—a kind of spiritual homesickness.
Scripture says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). That isn’t meant to single anyone out. It levels the ground beneath us.
When sin and grace are explained together, we begin to see something beautiful: naming the problem allows us to receive the cure.
Why Honesty Matters Today
Most of us already know something isn’t quite right inside.
We feel it in regrets we replay, words we wish we could take back, relationships that feel strained, and the quiet sense that we aren’t who we hoped we’d be.
The church speaks about sin not to shame us, but to tell the truth about the human condition.
God meets us where we are—not where we pretend to be.
This is good news for weary people.
Grace: God’s Response to Our Brokenness
If sin names the reality, grace announces the rescue.
Grace means God’s undeserved love. It is forgiveness in Christianity that we do not earn and cannot lose by failing one more time. It is a gift.
“Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20).
God acts before we fix ourselves. Jesus goes to the cross before we clean up our lives.
In Lutheran teaching, this is central—grace alone. We are saved not by performance, but by Christ.
Faith is not achievement. It is trust. And faith grows over time.
The Quiet Freedom of Confession
During Lent, Christians return to confession.
Confession simply means telling the truth before God. It is not groveling. It is honesty in the presence of mercy.
In worship, we confess together and hear words of forgiveness spoken aloud.
There is freedom in hearing, “You are forgiven.”
Imagine setting down a heavy backpack you didn’t realize you were carrying. That’s what grace feels like.
An Invitation This Lent
Lent is not about spiritual pressure. It’s about making space.
Space to reflect.
Space to be honest.
Space to receive grace.
If you’re curious, we’d love to walk with you.
Join us at Ascension Lutheran Church this season as we explore together. You’re welcome here—wherever you are on your journey.
God meets us where we are. And that is very good news.