"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8-9 (NIV)
John, the youngest of the twelve disciples of Jesus, writes this letter in his old age as the last of the twelve. This general epistle is not addressed to any particular church or group and is therefore considered to be applicable to all believers. Here they are told that if they confess their sins to God, then they will be forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness.
Romans 3:23 states that of us have sinned, believers included. The issue is not "if we sin," the issue is "are we willing to confess all of our sins." When we pray and confess our sins, it would be better for us if we identify each sin that we want to be forgiven for committing. Stating each of our sinful acts, thoughts, and spoken words may result in some very long prayers. However,
if we want to be forgiven for each sin, then we ought to confess each sin. It can be a humbling experience trying to list all of the sins committed in a day. Such an activity might help us to realize that we are not as good as we would like to think that we are, and it might help to become more Christ-like by causing us to commit fewer sins.
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