True Confession

"The conditions of obtaining mercy of God are simple and just and reasonable.The Lord does not require of us some grievous thing in order that we might have the forgiveness of sin We need not make long wearisome pilgrims or perform painful penances to commend our souls to the God heaven or to expiate our transgression,but He that confesses his sin shall have mercy"
"Confess your sins one to another and pray for one another that ye may be healed"Jame 5:16.If you have given offense to your friend or neighbor,you are to acknowledge your wrong and it is his duty to freely forgive you.Then you are to seek forgiveness from god because the brother you have wounded is the property of God,and in injuring him you sinned against his Creator and Redeemer.The case is brought before the only True Mediator,our great High priest who "was in all points tempted like as we are,yet without sin," and who is"touched with the feeling of our infirmities"Hebrews 4:15 and is able to cleanse from every stain of iniquity.
"Those who have not humbled their souls before God in acknowledging their guilt,have not yet fulfilled the first condition of acceptance,The only reason why we do not have remission of sins that are past is that we are not willing to humble our hearts and comply with the conditions of the Word of Truth.Confession of sin whether public or private should be heartfelt and freely expressed.It is not to be urged of the sinner."
"The confession that is outpouring of the inmost soul finds its way to the God of infinite pity."The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart and saves such as be of a contrite spirit"Psalm 34:18.
True confession is always of a specific character and acknowledges particular sins.They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only,they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them or they may be of public character and should be as publicly confessed.But all confessions should be definite and to the point,acknowledging the very sins which you are guilty."
From the book Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White.