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What does the Bible say about confession of sin?

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The Bible teaches that sinners should humbly confess their sins to God, trusting his mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. First John 1:9 promises that God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse those who confess, while Proverbs 28:13 contrasts concealment with mercy for those who confess and forsake sin. Psalm 32:5 and Psalm 51:1-5 model honest repentance before God, without excuse or self-justification. James 5:16 also commends appropriate confession to one another for prayer and healing. Confession does not earn pardon, but expresses true repentance and faith in Christ, whose saving lordship is confessed in Romans 10:9.

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.

  • 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.

  • Acts 19:18

    Many also of those who had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds.

  • Romans 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.

  • Romans 3:23

    for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

  • Psalms 51:1-5

    [1] > Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Cleanse me from my sin. [3] For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me. [4] Against you, and you only, have I sinned, And done that which is evil in your sight; That you may be proved right when you speak, And justified when you judge. [5] Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity. In sin my mother conceived me.

  • James 4:17

    To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to him it is sin.

  • John 20:22-23

    [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."

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