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What does the Bible say about confession?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that God calls sinners to confess their sins honestly, trust Christ openly, and rest in His faithful forgiveness and saving grace. First John 1:9 promises that when believers confess, God forgives and cleanses them because He is faithful and just through Christ. Proverbs 28:13 warns against hiding sin, while James 5:16 encourages humble confession and prayer within the church. Romans 10:9-11 teaches that salvation is received by believing in the risen Lord Jesus and confessing Him publicly. Such confession does not earn mercy but expresses the faith God graciously gives, and it joins believers to Christ and His people.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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 10:9-11

    [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. [11] For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed."

  • 1 John 4:2

    By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

  • John 20:23

    Whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven them. Whoever's sins you retain, they have been retained."

  • Matthew 10:33

    But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.

  • Romans 10:10

    For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

  • 1 John 4:15

    Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him, and he in God.

  • 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.

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