I agree with OSAS, and I concur with the reasons you state. My question, therefore, is for clarification, not to be argumentative. If it is my sin nature, not I that offends after Salvation, why must I continue to confess and ask for forgiveness when I transgress? (I do, and I will continue, but I’m just curious about the logic.)
You’re referring to Romans 7:20:
“Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is the sin nature living in me that does it.”
It’s a little like apologizing to a loved one. You know you’ll be forgiven but you feel bad about disappointing someone you love and want to make sure you’ve restored the relationship to its previous condition. John was writing about this to the Church when he said,
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Since these were believers he wasn’t speaking of the forgiveness that brings salvation, but the forgiveness that restores the relationship to its previous condition.