Grace: The Antidote for Sin

Let’s set the record straight: Grace-based Christians are just as opposed to sin as anyone else.

Why that even needs to be said is a mystery to me—but it does. Grace-based believers are often accused of taking a “loosey-goosey” approach to sin, tolerating or even embracing it. But that belief is not only wrong—it couldn’t be further from the truth.

As Christians, we’re all on the same side when it comes to sin: we hate it. We want to see it gone. The difference lies in how we believe sin is overcome.

Many Christians still think there has to be a “balance” between God’s grace and their behavior. They’ll say salvation is a free gift from Jesus—but (and it’s a big “but”) they still feel responsible to maintain God’s approval through good choices and holy living.

Grace-based Christians, however, rest in the finished work of Christ. We believe that salvation was fully secured by the blood of Jesus, and that we are no longer judged for our sins—past, present, or future.

Let me be clear: Sin is wrong. Sin is harmful. Sin must be defeated. The real question is, how?

The Wrong Approach: Shaming the Sinner

Religion has often responded to sin by attacking the person who sins. Strugglers are scolded with lines like: “You need more discipline!” or “You need to obey God!” or “You should stop that sinning!”

But considering how much sin still exists in the Church, I have to borrow a line from Dr. Phil: “How’s that working for us?”

The truth is, most people already know when they’re sinning. Deep down, they carry guilt, shame, and frustration over their bad habits and addictions. Constantly pointing out their flaws doesn’t bring change—it only deepens their shame and sense of powerlessness.

Why does religion keep doing that? I believe it comes from fear. There’s a belief that if we don’t confront sin constantly, people will think they have a license to keep sinning.

But here’s the reality: People are sinning just fine without a license.

The Right Approach: Grace That Transforms

Grace takes a different path. It doesn’t excuse sin—it reminds us who we really are in Christ:

• Grace tells you that you are the righteousness of God. (Romans 5:17)
• Grace assures you that, even in your failures, you are fully forgiven. (Ephesians 1:7)
• Grace reminds you that God will finish the good work He started in you. (Philippians 1:6)
• Grace declares that nothing can separate you from His love. (Romans 8:35)
• Grace removes condemnation from your life forever. (Romans 8:1)

Romans 8 begins by emphasizing that righteousness doesn’t come from following the law or getting everything “right.” It comes only through Jesus Christ.

Then Paul adds: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:5)

In other words, focusing on your failures will never set you free. It only leads to more shame—and more sin. But focusing on Jesus, and the Spirit-led life He empowers, brings transformation.

Grace Is the Cure

If we truly want to see people set free from sin, we have to stop reminding them of how broken they are—and start reminding them of how redeemed they are. The power to change doesn’t come from guilt. It comes from good news.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)

If we want to see sin lose its grip, we must have the courage to let grace increase.

Because grace—not guilt—is the only true antidote for sin.