This sermon explains that saying “I have sinned” can mean very different things, depending on what is in a person’s heart. Some people confess only out of fear, habit, or despair, and their words lead to no real change. True confession comes from a sincere heart that turns to God for mercy, like the prodigal son who returns home and is fully forgiven.

A sermon delivered by Charles Spurgeon on January 18, 1857.