All people, both believers and non-believers, commit sins, sometimes knowingly and other times unknowingly. The Bible speaks about two main types of sins: sins of commission and sins of omission, which often go hand in hand.
A sin of commission occurs when someone knowingly does something that goes against God’s commandments. For example, telling a lie is an intentional act of deception, something we know is sinful. Proverbs 12:22 says, “The LORD detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.” Because we are aware of such acts, these sins are often easier to recognize and confess.
On the other hand, a sin of omission involves failing to do what is right, even when we know better. Examples include neglecting to help those in need, avoiding prayer, or refraining from sharing Christ with others. James 4:17 states, “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” Sins of omission reflect a serious disobedience, as they show disregard for God's instructions just as much as overt acts of commission.
Sometimes, people sin without even knowing it, including Christians. Any action against God’s will, whether or not we recognize it as sinful, remains an offense against Him. Leviticus 5:17 explains, “If a person sins and does any of the things the LORD has commanded not to be done, though he was unaware, still he is guilty and shall bear his punishment.” Our lack of awareness does not diminish the fact that we have sinned.
Thankfully, Scripture assures us that if we confess our sins, God is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). While some may question why confession is necessary, given that God already knows everything, confession is an act of obedience to His Word. It humbles us, recognizes our need for God, and opens the way for forgiveness and growth.
Forgiveness from God has two aspects. First, there is judicial forgiveness, which frees us from eternal condemnation through Christ's sacrifice. This is a one-time, complete pardon that assures us of our salvation. Secondly, there is parental forgiveness, which addresses our ongoing relationship with God as our Father. When we sin, we experience God’s fatherly displeasure, which is meant to guide us back to Him, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:5-11. Daily confession and a humble spirit mark a healthy Christian life, helping us to remain close to God and grow in righteousness.
Christians are called to continually study Scripture, seek God in prayer, fellowship with other believers, and rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance to better understand His will. As we deepen our faith, we become more aware of sin, enabling us to avoid it.
Steps to Asking God for Forgiveness
Confess Your Sins
Name and admit what you’ve done.
Acknowledge to God that it was wrong.
Express your sorrow and remorse.
Ask for Forgiveness
Pray about how you feel.
Use Scripture to guide your prayer.
Specifically ask for His forgiveness.
Trust that He has forgiven you.
Moving Forward
Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged.
Commit to repentance by turning away from the behavior.
Guard against repeating the sin through prayer, study, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Scriptures
Psalm 51
51 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
Prayer of Repentance
Lord Jesus, please forgive me for every sin I have committed against You and others. I offer this prayer of repentance and humbly ask for Your forgiveness. Guide me with Your Holy Spirit, helping me to listen to Your voice and follow Your ways. Grant me strength to turn away from sin and become a better person. Thank You for Your grace and every blessing upon me and my loved ones. In Your mighty name, Amen.
Other Prayers
I love this ! Thank you