How do Mormons view sin?

Why This Conversation Matters

Talking about sin may seem uncomfortable, but it’s essential if we want to lead people to the Savior. If we don’t realize the seriousness of sin, we won’t see our desperate need for rescue. When you gently explore this topic with LDS missionaries, you open a door to share the real freedom found in Jesus.

1. How Mormonism Views Sin

Mormonism raises humanity’s natural state and lowers God’s holiness. In LDS teaching, God is viewed as an exalted man, and every human being is his literal spirit child with “divine potential.” Because of this, Mormons believe that people are born innocent, not sinful, and are only accountable for their sins after the “age of accountability,” which is set at eight years old (Doctrine and Covenants 29:46–47; True to the Faith, p. 22).

Sin is often described more as making mistakes or bad choices rather than deep rebellion against God. In fact, the LDS manual The Life and Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles says, “A man sins when he violates his conscience… Up to that point he only blunders.” As a result, many Mormons sincerely think of themselves not as “sinners” but as generally good people who sometimes stumble.

This softer view of sin means many LDS missionaries see Jesus primarily as a helper who makes it possible for them to improve and become worthy, rather than as the Savior who rescues them from total spiritual death.

2. How the Bible Views Sin

The Bible shows a much deeper—and far more urgent—view of sin. According to Scripture, we are sinful from birth (Psalm 51:5), not because we make bad choices later, but because our very nature is fallen. Even one sin makes a person guilty before God (James 2:10). Sin is not merely stumbling or making mistakes—it is rebellion that separates us completely from a holy God (Isaiah 59:2).

Because of this separation, no human effort, repentance, or striving can remove our guilt. Only Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death can save us (Romans 3:23–24).

In short, the Bible shows that we are not mostly good people who need a little help; we are spiritually dead people who need a complete rescue.

This contrast is crucial.

The LDS message says, “You’re good at heart. Try harder and you can make it.” The Bible says, “You’re dead in sin. But God makes you alive through Christ.”

3. How to Witness: Asking About Sin

One of the most powerful ways to witness is by asking thoughtful questions and gently inviting a deeper conversation.

You might ask:

• “How would you define sin?”
• “Who is sinful in God’s eyes?”
• “Can a person become sinless by trying harder?”
• “What are the eternal consequences of sin?”
• “Are some sins worse than others, or does any sin separate us from God?”

After listening to their answers, it can be helpful to offer a gentle bridge into the biblical view. You might say something like:

“I think that our faiths may have a different view of the problem—how serious sin really is. Would you mind if I shared how I understand God’s expectations?”

Then you can show them a few key passages:

• Romans 3:23 – “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
• James 2:10 – “Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.”
• Matthew 5:48 – “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

You can explain:

“When I read these verses, I realized that God doesn’t ask for improvement. He asks for perfection. And that’s something I could never achieve on my own. That’s why I needed a Savior who could be perfect for me.”

You don’t need to preach a sermon. You’re offering something beautiful for them to consider: that the Bible’s diagnosis of sin may be harder—but the solution in Christ is infinitely better.

These conversations don’t have to be confrontational. They’re invitations for missionaries to think more deeply about their need—and about the complete confidence that is possible through Jesus alone.