1 John 1:9 is for unbelievers not believers!

1 John 1:9 is for unbelievers not believers.  Confession of sin is for unbelievers to do when they come to Jesus for salvation. They must acknowledge their sin when they first believe in Jesus. Otherwise why would anyone come to Christ except upon relaization of their sin. (Maybe if they understood they need his life).

The verses before and after 1 Jn. 1:9 i.e.1 Jn. 1:8 and 1Jn. 1:10 make it clear that he is talking to unbelievers. Three verses later at 1 Jn.2:2 he says that Christ took away the sins of the whole world. If Christ took away the sins of the whole (including all of mine) why would I need to confess anymore. Then John says at 1 Jn. 2:12 that he is writing because our sins have been forgiven, not shallbe but "have" been forgivien. I am saved by Christ's death and His life not by continuing to confess sins that have already been taken away. Col. 2:13, Heb. 10:14-17, Jn. 1:29 make it clear that all our sins were dealt with on the cross.  All believers have already acknowledged that they are sinners or they could not be a believer in Christ.  Only an unbeliever would say they have never sinned (1 Jn.1:8) therefore, 1 Jn. 1:9 is written to unbelievers and is not for believers.

A believer acknowledges what Christ has already done and thanks and praises him for it.  Constant confession is unnecessary because sin has been completely dealt with. The only sin that will send a man to hell is unbelief in Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection. 

Why keep begging God for something that beleivers in Christ already have. In Jesus we have complete and total forgiveness of sins, Eph. 1:7.  He is not counting man's sins against us, 2 Cor. 5:19.  He willnever bring up or mention our sins ever again, Heb. 10:17-18.  In fact he has made us "perfect forever", Heb. 10:14.

Stop worrying and start resting in what Jesus accomplish for you at the cross.  Once you rest in the total finished work of Jesus death then you partake and enjoy His life as he lives in you.  This life and forgiveness are only in Jesus so put your faith in Him today. Call on Him thanking Him for taking away your sins forever.