D&C 58:43; 61:2; 64:7; 1 John 1:9; Conference Report, Oct. 1955, p. 125
“When the apples in a barrel rot, it is not enough to throw away half of the spoiled apples from the barrel and replace them with fresh apples on top. This would result in all the apples rotting. Instead it would be necessary to empty the barrel and completely clean and scrub—perhaps disinfect—the entire inside. Then the barrel could be safely filled again with apples. Likewise in clearing up problems in our lives it is well also to go to the bottom and confess all the transgressions so that repentance begins with no half-truths, no pretense, no unclean residue.” (Spencer W. Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 180)
“The formula for repentance requires that we confess. Our first confession is to the Lord in prayer. When our mistakes are not grievous ones and if they are personal, that may be all that is required. If our transgression includes tampering with the procreative capacities of another of either gender, then there is a necessary confession beyond prayer. The Lord has designated, from his priesthood, the bishop to be the common judge. If your transgression is serious, and your conscience will tell you whether it is or not, seek out the bishop. The bishop represents the Lord in extending forgiveness for the Church. At times he must administer bitter medicine… . There is the idea abroad that one can send a postcard of prayer and receive in return full forgiveness and be ready at once for a mission or for marriage in the temple. Not so, there are payments to be made. If a bishop offers comfort only and, in misguided kindness, seeks to relieve you of the painful but healing process in connection with repentance, he will not serve you well.” (Boyd K. Packer, BYU Fireside, 3/29/1992)
“You always need to confess your sins to the Lord. If they are serious transgressions, such as immorality, they need to be confessed to a bishop or stake president. Please understand that confession is not repentance. It is an essential step, but is not of itself adequate… . Essential to forgiveness is a willingness to fully disclose to the Lord and, where necessary, His priesthood judge all that you have done. Remember, ‘He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.’ (Prov. 28:13).” (Richard G. Scott, Ensign, May 1995, p. 76)