Do you need to go to a man to confess your sins?
The answer is, it's entirely up to yourself, it's optional.
Around The Time Of Baptism
We confess our sins around the time of our baptism.
Matt 3:4-6
4 John's clothes . . . . 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and . . . . 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
(from New International Version)
This is done in general terms; to detail our every sin since youth would take days.
We acknowledge before one or more others that we have fallen far short and need God to forgive us.
It is most desirable that the person doing the baptising is a Christian, or at the very least (in an emergency situation) understands the part he is to play in the proceedings. It is an important spiritual occasion.
Privately And Regularly
We confess our sins privately on a regular basis to God.
1 John 1:9-10
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
(from New International Version)
Mending A Relationship
If we have caused harm or offence, particularly to one of the elect (the household of God), we go to that person and explain or apologise.
It goes without saying that we must keep our marriage in good repair.
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The . . .
(from New International Version)
This is so that the bond of brotherhood and love may not be broken among fellow-believers. It is also to prevent our prayers to God being hindered.
Matt 5:23-24
23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
(from New International Version)
1 Peter 3:7
. . . , giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered
KJV
Counsel
It may transpire sometime in your life that you feel you must get private advice from an 'expert'.
Prov 11:14
For lack of guidance a nation falls,
but many advisers make victory sure.
(from New International Version)
This is of course up to you, but you must remember that you are dealing with a man, and that you may be surprised later on to find he has betrayed your confidence.
created 18oct06