I recognize, on the other hand, the danger of yielding to the temptation to conceal sin or to compromise with it, and thus act the hypocrite. Be sure that the confession fully covers the influence of the wrong committed, that no duty to God, to your neighbor, or to the church is left undone, and then you may lay hold upon Christ with confidence, expecting His blessing. But the question of how and to whom sins should be confessed is one that demands careful, prayerful study. We must consider it from all points, weighing it before God and seeking divine illumination. We should inquire whether to confess publicly the sins of which we have been guilty will do good or harm. Will it show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of the darkness into His marvelous light? Will it help to purify the minds of the people, or will the open relation of the deceptions practiced in denying the truth have an after influence to contaminate other minds and destroy confidence in us? {5T 646.3}

Det ydmyge og brudte hjerte, betvunget af ægte anger, vil påskønne noget af Guds kærlighed og den Golgatas omkostning; og ligesom en søn bekender sig for en elskende fader, sådan vil den sandt angrende bringe alle sine synder frem for Gud. Og der står skrevet: »Hvis vi bekender vore synder, er han trofast og retfærdig, så han tilgiver os vore synder og renser os fra al uretfærdighed."