What does the Bible say about confessing sins?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers should honestly confess their sins to God, trusting his mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ alone. First John 1:9 promises that God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse those who confess, while Proverbs 28:13 contrasts hiding sin with finding mercy through confession and repentance. Psalm 32:5 shows the relief of bringing guilt openly before the Lord. Christians may also confess sins to one another for prayer, encouragement, and restoration, as James 5:16 teaches, without making any human mediator necessary for forgiveness. Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and humanity, and he is our righteous advocate when we sin, according to 1 Timothy 2:5 and 1 John 2:1.
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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.
- Psalms 32:5
I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn't hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to Yahweh, And you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
- 1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
- John 20:19-24
[19] When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be to you." [20] When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord. [21] Jesus therefore said to them again, "Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." [22] When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit! [23] Whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven them. Whoever's sins you retain, they have been retained." [24] But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn't with them when Jesus came.
- John 20:23
Whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven them. Whoever's sins you retain, they have been retained."
- Acts 19:18
Many also of those who had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds.
- 1 John 2:1
My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.
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