"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

What is implied in "confessing our sins?"

It must mean something more than merely verbal confession.  

"God abhors the sacrifice, where not the heart is found."

Confession implies that we understand what our sin consists in. And that we repent from those actions daily. A true confession implies that we cease from all known sin, of either omission, or commission. Also, that we cease from all excuses or apologies for sin. He who makes an honest confession does it under the heart-conviction that all sin is utterly wrong. Feeling this, he cannot say one word in excuse or apology for sinning.

"the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not."

More to come.