It has so strongly called my attention to the facts of my own history, as not unfrequently to fill me with shame and confusion of face. Another design and tendency of confessing is, to impress others with the truth of the Christian religion. When ungodly men hear the frank and heart broken confessions of Christians, they are often struck with the contrast between this spirit and the spirit of the world. Another design and use of confession is, to insure spiritual healing. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Confession is indispensable to forgiveness.
It is indispensable to a present walking with God. If persons, for the time being, are brought into the light, and when they remember their sins, do not confess their faults, and ask the prayers and forgiveness of their brethren, they will undoubtedly and surely backslide. For in neglecting this duty, they will grieve the Spirit, harden their hearts, and immediately fall again under the power of sin. We are under special obligation to pray for those who confess their sins. Because, by their confessions, we have been made acquainted with their necessities, and are, therefore, not in the dark, in respect to what we should pray for as it respects them.