Contrition is a part of repentance.
Contrition is a part of repentance.
§ 41. There is no lack of arguments by which to prove the two essential parts of repentance specifically. Regarding contrition, the Papists concede that it is a part of repentance, though they take that word to mean a free act voluntarily assumed and the external signs of contrition, as will become clear a little later [§§ 62–96]. But we understand the word “contrition” to mean the true recognition of sin, the serious grief, and the inner anguish of conscience over it which are very often connected with external signs, all of which constitute the first part of repentance. We show this as follows.
Whatever (1) God Himself requires of the truly repentant (2) and is seen constantly in examples of the truly repentant (3) and without which the forgiveness of sins has no place—this belongs without doubt to the essential parts of true and salutary repentance. Yet (1) contrition—that is, the true recognition of sin and serious remorse over it—is required by God Himself of the truly penitent. “Bring back, you transgressors, upon the heart” (Isa. 46:8). “I shall look upon him who is poor and contrite of spirit and who trembles at My words” (Isa. 66:2). “Yet acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against Jehovah, your God” (Jer. 3:13). “Circumcise yourselves to Jehovah, and take away the foreskins of your heart” (Jer. 4:4). “Gird yourselves with sackcloth, lament and wail” (v. 8). “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments” (Joel 2:12[–13]).
(2) The same thing is constantly seen in examples of the truly repentant. Our first parents became afraid and fled from the sight of God (Gen. 3:8). David’s sin of adultery and murder is set before his eyes that he may burst forth with full grief at this word before he hears of the forgiveness of his sins (2 Sam. 12:13). Thus, after David had ordered the people to be counted, “his heart struck him” so that he said to Jehovah: “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. So now, O Jehovah, take away the iniquity of Your servant, because I have done very foolishly” (2 Sam. 24:10). “When Manasseh was in distress, he prayed [to] the face of Jehovah his God and humbled himself greatly before the face of the God of his fathers” (2 Chron. 33:12). Hezekiah said, “Like a lion He has broken [contrivit] all my bones” (Isa. 38:13).
(3) Without true contrition, forgiveness of sins does not find a place. “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Matt. 9:12). “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you” (Matt. 11:28). Therefore contrition is required without exception as an essential part of true repentance. So even though in some statements and examples of Scripture there is no clear mention of contrition, nevertheless it ought always to be understood in the description of true and salutary repentance, as is clear from the reasons cited. “Unless you believe that I am He” (and sincerely repent), “you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).