The concern of remembering every sin for repentance before death touches on the depth of human fallibility and the vastness of God’s grace. Scripture provides profound assurance regarding God’s forgiveness and the nature of repentance.

Firstly, it’s important to understand the nature of God’s forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This passage emphasizes that God’s forgiveness is not limited to the sins we remember and confess but extends to all unrighteousness in us when we come to Him in genuine repentance.

Psalm 103:12 also offers comfort by illustrating the completeness of God’s forgiveness: “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” This verse assures us that God’s forgiveness is not partial but complete, removing our sins without keeping a record of wrongs.

Moreover, the essence of repentance is not in the enumeration of every sin but in a heart posture turned away from sin and towards God. Acts 3:19 encourages, “Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” Repentance is about a genuine change of heart and mind, not merely a verbal acknowledgment of sins.

It’s also comforting to remember that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, including our forgetfulness or unawareness of all our sins. Romans 8:26-27 tells us, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” This passage reassures us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, even in matters of confession and repentance.

Therefore, rather than being burdened by the fear of not recalling every sin, be encouraged to maintain a repentant and reliant heart upon God’s grace, trusting in His complete forgiveness and the work of the Holy Spirit within you. God knows your heart and your desire to turn from sin; He is gracious and abundant in mercy, ready to forgive.