Confession ≠ Asking for Forgiveness

Don't make the mistake of a half-confession

Don't confess Romans 3:23 (that you've sinned and fallen short)...

WITHOUT also confessing Romans 3:24 (that you are justified by his grace as a gift and that through Christ, you have been redeemed!)

This is the thing...

You have been cleansed (1 John 1:9)
You are clean (John 15:3)
You are holy (1 Peter 2:9)
You have forgiveness (Colossians 1:14)
You are blameless (Ephesians 1:4)
You are free from sin (Romans 6:7)
You are not condemned (Romans 8:1)
You are sanctified in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2)
You are an heir (Galatians 4:7)
You are God's friend (John 15:15)

^THIS is our confession!!!

Renew your mind daily to these truths... hold fast to THIS confession

[MartinLuther]

Very cool point!
I noticed this same concept the other day in Isaiah 44:22
"I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions,
And like a cloud, your sins.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”
God has already dealt with our sins, all we have to do is accept it.

[Kevin-lwgl]

I've always thought to myself and told people this:

If someone is truly asking for forgiveness and wanting to repent for something they did towards you, they will come to you voluntarily and confess. I think that same logic applies when repenting in the presence of God. I think the "voluntary" part is the key to recognizing a repentant heart, because it shows the person has humility to recognize the consequences of their actions.