1 John 1:8-9, If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The significant distinction between Christians and unbelievers (and heretics like Joyce Meyer who says she’s without sin) is that Christians own up to their sinfulness. As soon as you confess your sins to God our Father and are subsequently forgiven, you are waging war against the Devil. Do not fret; you have Christian comrades in this war toward sanctification.
The alternative to confession is hiding from God—our fallen pattern that began with our parents Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8). Fallen human logic says to flee from God rather than to seek refuge in Him, the only one who can save us from His just wrath. To run to Him in refuge is to make an admission of guilt, which is terrifying to us. It is a fearful thing to admit you’re in the wrong. Everyone has trouble making this admission. It is the root of all controversy and hostility; but in our admission of being in the wrong, God brings us in the right with Him and turns our hearts from what is wrong.
The Lutheran Column 