“If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9;  We do need to honestly identify the source of our guilt and confess before God. That means we agree with His perspective on what we’ve done—in other words, we admit when we are wrong.

When we do confess, God (is faithful and just to) ¹ forgives us, and ² cleanses us from all unrighteousness.  Then we just need to recognize His forgiveness and cleansing, and accept it.  In Romans 8:1-2, Paul says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, to them that walk not after the flesh [the sinful nature], but after the Spirit.”  When we accept the forgiveness and cleansing that come through Jesus, we are set free from the sin and from the guilt and shame that come with it.  Then we really CAN turn around and go the other way, what some call repent.  “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free  indeed.”  John 8:36 Thank God Almighty, we’re free at last!