The efficient cause of contrition.
The efficient cause of contrition.
§ 67. The principal efficient cause of contrition is the Holy Spirit, as is shown by the general premises drawn from § 35 above, which attribute the entire work of conversion to the Holy Spirit. Contrition requires the acknowledgment of sins and the hatred and loathing of them. But now, our entire nature is carried with full force toward sin and takes very great pleasure in it. Our mind is darkened and blinded by sin. Therefore a loftier light is required for acknowledging the atrocity of sin and the seriousness of divine wrath. From this it is quite clear that true and salutary contrition is not a work of our natural powers but of the Holy Spirit, who effectually moves our heart.
In contrition, a serious grief over sins committed is present. But now, our nature, wretchedly corrupt and depraved, flees from that grief, follows its own bent and inclination, and revels in its sins. “I will rebuke you and set what you have done in order before your eyes” (Ps. 50:21). “God has set our secret [sin] in the light of His countenance” (and reveals it through the light of the Word) (Ps. 90:8). “Like a lion He has broken [contrivit] all my bones” (Isa. 38:13).