How do we know that confession of sin is essential for salvation?

Scripture highlights the necessity of confessing our sins to truly understand our need for salvation. As Isaiah 1:18 states, 'Come now, let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.' This call to confession reveals our acknowledgment of sin, which is crucial for the believer. It is through confessing and agreeing with God about our sinful state that we are pointed to Christ for salvation. Genuine confession leads to recognizing our total dependence on Him to bear our sins and demonstrate His grace.