When sin enters God’s perfect world in Genesis 3, mankind’s immediate reaction is to attempt to hide from God.
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Genesis 3:8-12
God encourages Adam to confess but he tries to shift the blame. Throughout the Bible, the correct response to sin is confession and repentance.
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5
The biblical pattern of confession is that we first confess our sins to God. After David had committed adultery, his sin is exposed by the prophet Nathan and David’s response is recorded in Psalm 51.
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Psalm 51:3-4
David has sinned against other people in these events, but his response here recognises that all sin is against God. Our response of confession needs to be primarily directed to Him. After confession to God, we are then called to confess to others that we have sinned against.
When anyone becomes aware that they are guilty in any of these matters, they must confess in what way they have sinned. Leviticus 5:5
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23–24
The tradition of confessing sin to a priest is based on a belief that priests are appointed by God to absolve sin. The Bible does not reference confession to priests and teaches that Jesus is the one who absolves sin. Therefore, it is not necessary to confess sin to a priest. However, confession to church leaders and those in spiritual authority can be helpful in the process of repentance, forgiveness and healing.
The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7