"If we confess our sins..." The biggest word in Scriptures just might be that two letter one, if.  For confessing sins - admitting failure - is exactly what prisoners of pride often refuse to do.

"Me a sinner? Oh sure, I get rowdy every so often, but I'm a pretty good ol' boy."

"Listen, I'm just as good as the next guy. I pay my taxes...."

JUSTIFICATION. RATIONALIZATION. COMPARISON....

They sound good. They sound familiar. They even sound American. But in the kingdom, they sound hollow....

When you get to the point of sorrow for your sins, when you admit that you have no other option,....then cast all of your cares on him for he is waiting.

Max Lucado - The Applause of Heaven