This is also an issue for the believer because, of the Ninety-Five Theses that Martin Luther posted, the first one was that repentance was a “progressive” activity of the believer, not a one-time act. Note that repentance is a prerequisite to salvation and it was preached by Jesus: "Repent and believe in the gospel." It is required for salvation in Acts 2:38 and 3:19.. Acts 17:30 commands all men everywhere to repent.
They go hand in hand and you can distinguish them but not separate them. For instance, if, you try to repent without confession, it’s like not really admitting any wrongdoing and coming clean without owning up to your sins and confessing (which is homologeo or to say the same thing as) Now we all do sins we are not aware of and that’s why when we confess God forgives us of them too (cf. 1 John 1:9).
The Greek word metanoia for repentance is to change one’s mind, have afterthoughts, or to turn directions. Remember that Judas tried to confess without repentance and it only amounted to simple remorse and guilt. Confession is a matter of fellowship and repentance is more closely associated with salvation in the grand scheme of things though.
How can you repent of a sin without having it in mind? Like this? “I repent of my sins, but not admitting any of them!” But if you also confess without repentance you are setting yourself up for repetition and an impenitent heart that is insincere and toying with God and making light of the act. The sacrifices of God are a contrite heart (cf. Psalm 51:17). Like saying I’m sorry I was caught with my hand in the cookie jar but not sorry enough to refrain from it again. Even Judas admitted or "confessed" his sin: "I have betrayed innocent blood."
Even if one realizes or thinks he might do the sin again, is no reason to not repent of it because repentance is the gift of God and He must grant it (cf 2 Tim. 2:25; Acts 5:31;11;18). No one completely ends sinning by confessing or repenting but it’s still commanded and the ways to grow in faith and closer to God. There’s no guarantee you’ll not commit a sin again but God looks at your attitude.
Proverbs 28:13 says that he who confesses and forsakes his sin shall find mercy. Both repentance and confession are acts of faith and cannot be done without it. That’s why theologians refer to penitent faith or believing repentance The definition of confession is to say the same thing as God says about and admit it, and repentance is to make a complete turnaround, do a 180, or make an about-face and turn from your sins toward God—a radical change of heart, mind, and will (cf. Acts 20:21).
I can’t cover all the bases but here’s some more reflection: We are all personally offended by some sins more than others for sure but these may not line up with God’s Word. We must also bear in mind that the devil accuses (the accuser of the brethren) and creates a guilt complex, but the Holy Spirit convicts and brings us to repentance by the Spirit of grace.
Believers shall never “come into judgment,” (cf. John 5:24). And we can not come into condemnation (cf. Rom. 8:1). But we commit sins of omission too that we may not be aware of besides the sins of commission that we do know of. Remember that confession and repentance are progressive and don’t end at salvation We must keep short accounts with God to stay in fellowship and walk with Him by faith.
“He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whosoever confesses and forsakes them shall find mercy.” (cf. Prov. 28:13).
Note: Genuine repentance brings forth fruit! (cf. Acts 26:20), “…that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” (cf. Luke 3:8), “Bring forth, therefore, fruits worthy of repentance.” Soli Deo Gloria!
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