Only Jesus can forgive sins (based on His atoning death on the cross).
Well, of course. I’m trying to figure out the Roman Catholic party line.
Absolutely true. Personal repentance before Christ is essential; sacramental Confession is also essential for a person to seriously be renewed in the Sacramental life.
For my part, I realize I am so devious and casual or self-justifying in regard to sin, that I let myself off the hook too easily with rationalizations like, "My intentions were good," "I didn't actually do any harm," "They led me astray," etc. I greatly benefit from making things more objective by actually stating my sin out loud, straight, and like it is.
Forgiveness always requires real repentance, which includes avoidance of "near occasions of sin" in the future (the persons, places or situations that drew you into sin to begin with) and a firm intention not to repeat the sin.
Without this, absolution means nothing: and in fact, to go to Confession without the desire to turn away from this sin, constitutes sacrilege.
This is not legalism: it's just moral reality.
AND FINALLY: Gamecock, I am glad you posted this. People are getting the opportunity to understand more deeply, and that's always a good thing.