Marriage and Virginity (continued)
clearly enough that in this life, all of which is a trial,†65 no one should pride oneself on being entirely free from sin.
Virgins Must Also Confess Their Faults
49, 49. So God's virgins, blameless as they are, do follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They have made full atonement for their sins and have kept their virginity, which once lost does not return. The very same Apocalypse, however, also praises them for having no lie found on their lips.†66 They should be mindful, therefore, to be truthful about this too, and not dare to say that they have no sins. Even John himself, the one who had that vision, said this: If we say that we are without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not with us. If, instead, we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and so he will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all iniquity. If, however, we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word will not be with us (1 Jn 1:8-10). This is certainly not said only to one or another particular group, but to all Christians, among whom the virgins too must see themselves to be included. In this way they will have no lies, just as they are presented in the Apocalypse. For this reason, as long as there is not yet the state of perfection in the glory of heaven, humble confession will preserve them from blame.
50. Furthermore, in case these words should lead anyone to commit sin with a fatal sense of security, and give in to sins on the understanding that they will quickly and easily be wiped out by confession, he immediately added: My little children, I have written these things for you, so that you will not sin. If anyone does sin, he or she has a just advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ. He himself has atoned for our sins (1 Jn 2:1-2). Therefore, let no one give up sin with the intention of going back to it; and let no one make that pact with wickedness, as it were, to take pleasure in confessing it rather than in avoiding it.
Even the Most Virtuous Must Remain Humble
50. Even those who are vigilant and energetic in striving to avoid sin are sometimes overtaken by sins of human frailty. Though they may be minor ones and few in number, they are still sins, and even they grow and become serious if