What if We Sin After Conversion?

Christians, or those considering baptism, may well ask: What if we slip up and sin after true conversion?

The apostle John spells out the answer: "If we [Christians] walk in the light [practice God's way of life] as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins [to God], He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:7-9).

This clearly is not a license for Christians to sin (see 1 John 2:1 and Jude 4), but a frank acknowledgment of the humanity of even the most righteous Christian. Our fight and struggle against sin is a daily task as we strive with God's help to overcome our human tendencies (Hebrews 12:1; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27).

The apostle Paul tells Christians to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you [through the Holy Spirit] to will and to act according to His good purpose" (Philippians 2:12-13, NIV). As with repentance and forgiveness, it's part of our partnership with our Creator and Father in heaven.