2005 Gold Medallion Award finalist! A prophetic voice in a world where sin is explained away and grace is cheapened, Dr. Mark McMinn shows that only by reclaiming the language of sin will we be free to discover the power (and cost) of grace. While some people repeat the mantra "I'm OK, you're OK," it is much wiser to conclude, "I'm a mess, you're a mess." The good news is that, like the Prodigal Son, we aren't left standing at the pig trough. God sees us from a distance, runs to greet us, embraces us in love, and celebrates our arrival. The ballad of sin is not so much a dirge as it is a prelude to grace. Facing our sin ultimately ushers us into the presence of Grace, where we find forgiveness, mercy, hope, and celebration.