So tell me the difference- repentance and forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed
Confession is abeautiful thing. Find a pres(by}try (priest) and do it and be free
I found Jesus and did it and am free. HE made me free and whom the Son sets free is free indeed. (John 8:36)
I trust God enough to take Him at His word and do not need a *priest* to tell me so I can be sure. It's a sure sign that someone does not trust God when they have to rely on people to tell them.
Why believe it when a priest tells you but not when God tells you? THAT is a lack of faith.
Thanks for the heartfelt appeal. I do confess my sins when I sin against others. I go to them and ask for their forgiveness. I also forgive when those who wrong me, even if they don’t ask for forgiveness. Jesus set the example, I love Him, He is the Master so I will imitate Him. It won’t be anywhere close to His perfection but with the Holy Spirit’s conviction and strength I will drive on.
Now confessing sins to God, that should be done with daily prayers as the psalmists did. We pray to the Father through the Son and here is the scripture proof:
1 John 2:1-2 NABRE
My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.(NABRE)
I will say, there is much hubris here on this thread telling others to repent and go to confession. I am reminded of the Pharisee and Publican parable. Also first take the beam out of your eye before the speck in your brothers eye.
Finally, there is a difference between penance and repentance. Repentance is a turning away and penance implies self punishment. As Paul says “godly sorrow leads to repentance which leads to Salvation.”