As a child I recited a simple bedtime prayer that included asking for daily forgiveness. In the innocence of child's prayer, this was beautiful, but as we are exposed to, and grow in the truths of God's Word, we would learn that there are two primary periods where forgiveness is dealt with differently. It is imperative to learn the difference and apply the right mindset and faith to our current relationship with God regarding forgiveness.
During the Law dispensation, forgiveness of God was conditional. One had to merit forgiveness from God by obeying specific instructions (works) to receive forgiveness from Him. At the time that the temple was built, around 1000 BC, God said the following to Israel in the book of Chronicles,
2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
So we see that their sins had not yet been forgiven. Offering sacrifices for sin, by the blood of animals, was part of the instructions. During Christ's earthly ministry (still under the Law of Moses), He told the disciples,
Matthew 6:14-15, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Can you see the conditional nature of forgiveness, as was the case with all things under the law. This is why Jesus also mentioned,
Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
So, is this the pattern we still follow in our dispensation under grace? The answer is a resounding 'No!' We are under a different dispensation, and our pattern is starkly different, based on the instructions of our apostle, Paul,
Romans 6:14, "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
If we believe the gospel as Paul preached (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), then all our sins have already been forgiven. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, freely gave His life as the perfect sacrifice to pay for all of our sins. He was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead on the third day. Through faith in this gospel and trusting in the finished work of Christ, it is in His death that we are imputed His righteousness, and through His resurrection we are justified.
Our forgiveness is not something we wait for out in the future! Our forgiveness is not something we have to earn (or merit). Our forgiveness is something we ALREAD have in full, and guaranteed!
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
The book of Colossians provides a triple, easy to remember reference of forgiveness which is in context with our dispensation. Let me end this answer with the three passages.
Colossians 1:13-14 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Colossians 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
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