The Israelites were required to confess their sins openly to God before they were forgiven, both individually as they made their offerings, and together as a nation on the Day of Atonement (see Leviticus 16:21; 26:40; Nehemiah 1:6; Psalm 32:5).

Confession has another meaning, in English, namely to profess a belief openly. In New Testament times when those who 'confessed' Christ were persecuted, this was a very bold and courageous thing to do. Paul commends Timothy for making his "good confession in the presence of many witnesses", which he did before God, and Jesus Christ who had himself made a good confession before Pilate (see 1 Timothy 6:12-13). Paul is referring to the declaration that Jesus made to Pilate at his trial when he said that he was the Son of God and the King of the Jews (see John 18:37; 19:7).

Modern English translations have 'acknowledge' in place of 'confess', as at Matthew 10:32: "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven".
There is nothing in the Bible to suggest that confessions can only be made to a priest, or that a priest has the power of absolution. We are asked to confess our sins to God and to each other, to help us overcome sin.

"Now make confession to the Lord, the God of your fathers, and do His will." (Ezra 10:11).

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." (James 5:16).

"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." (Proverbs 28:13).

Calling
Charity
Cherub
Child, Children
Christ
Christian
Church
Circumcision
Cloud
Coming again
Commandment
Communion
Confession
Congregation
Conscience
Contract or Covenant
  1. A Human Agreement
  2. Covenant: God's Will for Us
Creation
Creed
Cross
Crown
  1. of a King
  2. The Victor's Laurel Wreath
Crucifixion