If we confess and forsake our sin, we will receive mercy  -  Proverbs 28:13

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

There are two kinds of forgiveness – judicial and parental. When we trust Christ as our Saviour, we receive forgiveness from the penalty of sin, which is judicial forgiveness. When we, as believers, confess our sins, we receive parental forgiveness, which maintains fellowship with God, our Father. There is no blessing for the person who covers their sin but anyone who confesses and forsakes their sin has the assurance that God, not only forgives, but forgets it.