CONFESSION is a stepping stone to repentance:

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The word “confession”  (Greek: homologeo) brings together two important facets of confession.  “Homos” means ‘the same’ and “logeo” means ‘to say’.  When the Holy Spirit says,  “ You have lied and been dishonest”.  It is simply a matter of agreeing with God and saying what He says about our sin.  Confession is the first step towards repentance.
Repentance is TURNING FROM WICKEDNESS

Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 

Repentance involves GIVING UP ALL OUR OWN FUTILE HUMAN EFFORTS TO SAVE OURSELVES

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.

The Amplified Bible says:  “…Repentance and abandonment of dead works (dead formalism).”
The Living Bible says: “Surely we don’t need to speak further about the foolishness of trying to be saved by being good.”

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