What happens when a justified Christian sins?

When a justified Christian sins, they remain righteous but face consequences due to their actions. Justification is understood in Christian theology as a permanent state granted by God's grace, not dependent on human actions or failures. Therefore, even if a justified individual sins, their status before God as justified remains intact.

However, this does not mean that sin is without effect. While the individual's relationship with God in terms of their justification is secure, the consequences of sin can manifest in various ways, such as guilt, emotional turmoil, or disruption in their relationship with others and with God. The concept of remaining righteous despite sin reflects the belief in the ongoing need for repentance and reconciliation rather than a complete loss of standing with God.

This understanding affirms the transformative power of grace and the hope of restoration that believers have through confession and repentance, shoring up the idea that their identity as justified individuals is not easily discarded.