If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)

If we assert that we have no guilt of sin before God, we lead ourselves astray. The truth is that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 2:23) A refusal to recognize sin is a refusal to recognize one’s need for Christ.

But, if we confess our sins…

To confess is to say the same thing as another. When we confess our sins, we speak in agreement with God about our sins, namely that we have sinned, and that not merely in general, but in specific. In confession we name our sins as offenses before the holy and righteous God. We admit our sinfulness and brokenness in real and specific ways. We cry out to God with the Psalmist, Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (Psalm 51:2)

And though we are sinful, God is faithful to His Gospel, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. God did not place His Son on the cross to then ignore the sacrifice. Repentant, believing souls continue to find forgiveness and righteousness from the merciful God in the sacrifice of His Son. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)