Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of confessing sins to God? Psalm 38:18—Confession Front and Center “Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.” David’s words set the tone: sin named, guilt felt, forgiveness sought. Old Testament Foundations • Psalm 32:3-5 — “When I kept silent, my bones became brittle… Then I acknowledged my sin to You… and You forgave the guilt of my sin.” • Proverbs 28:13 — “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” • Leviticus 5:5 — “When someone becomes aware of his sin… he must confess the sin he has committed.” • Leviticus 26:40-42 — Restoration is promised “if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers.” Prophetic Appeals • Isaiah 1:18 — “Come now, let us reason together… though your sins are scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” • Hosea 14:1-2 — “Return, O Israel… Take words of repentance with you and return to the LORD.” • Daniel 9:4-5 — “I prayed… and confessed: ‘We have sinned and done wrong…’ ” New Testament Clarity • 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” • Luke 18:13-14 — The tax collector’s “God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” ends with Jesus’ verdict: “went home justified.” • James 5:16 — “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” • Acts 19:18 — “Many who had believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds.” What Confession Brings • Forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:5) • Mercy (Proverbs 28:13) • Cleansing (Psalm 51:2) • Restored fellowship (Psalm 66:18-20) • Joy (Psalm 51:12) • Healing (James 5:16) Bringing It Together From Moses to John, Scripture traces one consistent line: hiding sin chains the soul; confessing sin unlocks God’s cleansing, forgiving, restoring grace. |
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