The examples in God's word of genuine repentance and humiliation reveal a spirit of confession in which there is no excuse for sin or attempt at self-justification. Paul did not seek to shield himself; he paints his sin in its darkest hue, not attempting to lessen his guilt. He says,

"Many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities." Acts 26: 10, 11.

He does not hesitate to declare that

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy 1:15.

Go on to Confessing our sins and appreciating the love of God...

White, Ellen Gould: Steps to Christ. Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1892; SC 41.1