Is Confession Still Necessary for Christians Today?

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9

 

Confession for the believer is not a ritual before a priest—it is a relational response to a holy God who calls His children to be holy (Ephesians 5:1). While Catholic tradition teaches that confession is a sacrament through which grace is administered by a priest, Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16), and it is to Him alone we confess—because we have already received grace through His finished work.

 

1 John 1:9 is written to believers—those who are already children of God. It reminds us that while we are justified by faith in Christ, we still live in fallen flesh. Sin still tempts us, and sometimes we fall.

That’s why God gave us His Spirit, not only to seal us (Ephesians 1:13–14) but to empower us to live as Christ lived (Romans 8:9–14). The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8)—not just before salvation, but continuously, so we may walk in the light.

 

Confession is part of sanctification. It’s how we humbly agree with God about our sin, turn from it, and grow. But sanctification is not perfection in this life. We must never preach holy living as if we are above failure.

Paul wrote: 

“Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

 

True confession flows from a heart that loves God and desires to walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6). It is not legalism; it is loyalty. It is not fear of condemnation; it is reverence for our Father who now indwells us by His Spirit.

 

God hated our sin before we were saved, and He still hates sin now—but He has given us everything we need to live a life pleasing to Him (2 Peter 1:3). That includes the freedom to choose, and the warning not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). This means the Christian life is a constant battle—but it’s also a victorious one because the One who lives in us is greater (1 John 4:4).

 

So we confess—not to stay saved, but because we are saved. We confess—not to maintain a ritual, but to restore fellowship with our Father. We confess—because the Spirit of Christ in us leads us to hate what He hates and love what He loves.

 

This is grace. This is truth. This is walking in the light.