Confess, Confession

The scriptures use confession in at least two ways. In one sense, to confess is to state one’s faith in something, such as to confess that Jesus is the Christ (Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10:9; 1 Jn. 4:1–3; D&C 88:104).

In another sense, to confess is to admit one’s guilt, such as in a confession of sins. It is a duty of all persons to confess all their sins to the Lord and obtain His forgiveness (D&C 58:42–43). When necessary, sins should be confessed to the person or persons sinned against. Serious sins should be confessed to a Church official (in most cases the bishop).