The confession of sin is a manful repudiation of disloyalty, but it in no wise mitigates the time-space consequences of such disloyalty. But confession—sincere recognition of the nature of sin—is essential to religious growth and spiritual progress. [1] When we find ourselves in the wrong, we should not hesitate to confess our error and be quick to make amends. [2]
Confession, repentance, and prayer have led individuals, cities, nations, and whole races to mighty efforts of reform and courageous deeds of valorous achievement. [3] We should leave no fault unconfessed. [4] Said Jesus: “If you confess your sins, they are forgiven; therefore must you maintain a conscience void of offense”. [5]
The idea of confession and forgiveness early appeared in primitive religion. Confession was merely a rite of remission, also a public notification of defilement, a ritual of crying “unclean, unclean!”. [6]
In the times of Melchisedek they have the idea that if any said ‘I have sinned and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not,’ God would deliver his soul from going into the pit, and he would see the light. [7]
Devotion, to Pharisees, was a means of inducing self-righteous inactivity and the assurance of false spiritual security; devotion should be a means of stirring up the soul to the realization of the need for repentance, confession, and the acceptance, by faith, of merciful forgiveness. [8]