A number of verses in the Bible tell us that we will sin after conversion (Phil. 3:12; Jas. 2:10; 3:2,8; 4:17; Romans 7; etc). Because a Christian will sin after salvation, he should not deny his sin. If he does, he makes God to be a liar. When a Christian realizes, through the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit, that he has sinned, he should agree with God about his sin, confess it, and receive the restoration to fellowship that is promised.

God’s forgiveness of the Christian’s sin is based on His justice. He is just and will forgive our sins. We might expect that forgiveness in this instance is based on God’s mercy, but it is based on His justice. God is just because Jesus paid the penalty for our sin when He died on the cross. God has promised to forgive our sins (2:2) when we confess them, and restore us to perfect fellowship just like He promises.