1st John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Confession of one’s sin is never enough, in and of itself to trigger a change of heart. There must be a turning away from the sins which are causing the relationship with God to become frayed. There is a big difference between a mere admission of facts, and the godly repentance spoken of in the Bible. Achan, Judas and Saul all confessed their sins, but there was no real turning away from the sin, nor any material change of heart.
In Eli’s case, a turning away from the sins that were causing the ruptured relationship with God, would lead him to not only remove his sons from sacred office; it would also lead him to make the necessary reforms, by instituting what God had commanded for any and every priest, moving forward.
A very grave responsibility rests upon parents who have children under their roof. Note well, that God called Eli to account for his sons, even though they were adults. They most likely were not living at Eli’s home at the moment in question, but in their capacity as priests, they were under Eli’s jurisdiction directly. When we have children living at home, whether kids or adults, parents are responsible for maintaining the Biblical principles and standards at all times.
Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!