1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

The only man to ever live and not sin is Jesus Christ. While Christ dwells in our hearts by faith, we are not Christ, but rather belong to Christ. Were we get caught up in our view of sin is over the penalty for sin. There is a huge difference between consequences of sin and penalty for sin.

1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

What Paul is trying to point out here is that there is no penalty for sin for those who have accepted Christ. The consequences of sin still exist and it is in the consequences that forward progress is hampered. Paul’s goal is forward momentum. If we get caught up in a sin, the consequences stall forward momentum. We are giving power to sin.

In simple terms sin doesn’t get us where we want to be.

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.

 Jesus Christ took all our sins to the Cross and died to put an end to sin. Since He already died for a sin we are just now repenting of and seeking forgiveness, then acknowledgement of sin and awareness of forgiveness is not about the penalty for sin but perhaps rather about regaining lost momentum.

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Paul’s forward momentum is towards perfection but since we already established that Christ alone is righteous and without sin, what is this perfection?