1 John 1 : 9 . If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
As we live our lives out in this fallen , sinful world , Christians will sin .We are fuller forgiven , being made new and sealed by the Holy Spirit and holy before God through the blood of Christ but until the day we go to be with the Lord , we will sin . John even before verse 9 tells us that if we say we have no sin , denying that we are sinners , then the truth is not in us . Then in verse 10 he repeats the warning again , saying that if we say haven't sinned makes the Lord a liar and His word does not abide in us .
So acknowledging we are sinners , that we have sinned is at the very least an indication we are in Christ. But the middle verse that really pulls both of these two warnings together is the act of confession . A believer will be ever conscience of sin and the struggle against it . Confession is good for the soul it has been said and it is true . We shouldn't make a morbid habit but even the pattern of the Lord's prayer , makes clear room for coming before the Lord in confession and asking for His forgiveness.
We should daily seek forgiveness an as many in the reformed tradition have said , preach the gospel to ourselves each day . Trusting in the finished work of Jesus to renew , cleanse and restore us daily . Martin Luther said the Christian life was one of daily or on going repentance . A honest reckoning of our sin , the Saviors amazing grace and power to forgive but not just stopping there . But truly believe God , in Christ will forgive our sins and remember our transgressions no more .
It is in accepting this astonishing gift of forgiveness , that the power to break the struggle with sin will come . Knowing the love of God , displayed in Christ and applied by the Spirit should truly , humble us and accept the truth of what John said, if we confess our sins , He will forgive them and cleanse from all unrighteousness.
The question is , do you really believe it ?
