What does the Bible say about confessing sin?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers should humbly confess their sins to God, trusting his mercy and turning from sin in repentance. First John 1:9 promises that God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse those who confess, because Christ has secured their pardon. Proverbs 28:13 contrasts hiding sin with confessing and forsaking it, which receives mercy. James 5:16 encourages honest confession and prayer within the church, fostering healing and restoration. Confession is not a work that earns forgiveness, but the fruit of faith in the gospel. Hebrews 9:14 teaches that Christ’s sacrifice cleanses the conscience, while Hebrews 8:12 assures God’s covenant people that he remembers their sins no more.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- James 5:16
Confess your offenses to one another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous man is powerfully effective.
- Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, But whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
- Romans 10:9-10
[9] that if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
- Hebrews 8:12
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness. I will remember their sins and lawless deeds no more."
- James 1:13-15
[13] Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God can't be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. [14] But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. [15] Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death.
- Hebrews 9:14
how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
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