Topical Encyclopedia Definition: Contrition refers to the sincere and deep sorrow for having sinned, accompanied by a genuine desire to repent and seek forgiveness from God. It is a fundamental aspect of Christian repentance and is characterized by a humble acknowledgment of one's sins and a commitment to turn away from them. Biblical Basis: The concept of contrition is deeply rooted in the Bible, where it is often associated with a broken and humble heart. In Psalm 51:17, King David expresses this sentiment after his sin with Bathsheba, saying, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise" . This verse highlights the value God places on genuine repentance over ritualistic offerings. Isaiah 57:15 further emphasizes God's regard for the contrite: "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite'" . Here, God promises His presence and revival to those who are truly repentant. Theological Significance: Contrition is essential for receiving God's forgiveness and grace. It is not merely feeling guilty or regretful but involves a transformative process that leads to a change in behavior and attitude. In 2 Corinthians 7:10, the Apostle Paul distinguishes between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, stating, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death" . True contrition results in a turning away from sin and a renewed relationship with God. Examples in Scripture: The Bible provides numerous examples of contrition. One notable instance is the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. The younger son, after squandering his inheritance, comes to a place of contrition, saying, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son" (Luke 15:21). His contrition leads to reconciliation with his father, symbolizing God's readiness to forgive those who repent. Another example is found in the account of the tax collector in Luke 18:13, who, standing at a distance, would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner" . Jesus commends this man's contrition, stating that he went home justified before God. Practical Application: For believers, contrition is a vital part of the Christian life. It involves regular self-examination, confession of sins, and a heartfelt desire to align one's life with God's will. The practice of contrition fosters spiritual growth and deepens one's relationship with God. It is often expressed through prayer, as seen in the penitential psalms, and through participation in the sacraments, such as confession and communion, where believers seek God's grace and forgiveness. Conclusion: Contrition is a profound and necessary response to sin, reflecting a heart that is truly repentant and open to God's transformative work. It is a key component of the Christian journey, leading to spiritual renewal and a closer walk with the Lord. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of grinding or ribbing to powder; attrition; friction; rubbing.2. (n.) The state of being contrite; deep sorrow and repentance for sin, because sin is displeasing to God; humble penitence; through repentance. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CONTRITE; CONTRITIONkon'-trit, kontrish'-un (dakka', "bruise"): Only in Old Testament (Psalm 34:18 Psalm 51:17 Isaiah 57:15); nakheh, "smitten" (Isaiah 66:2). Contrite, "crushed," is only the superlative of "broken"; "a contrite heart" is "a heart broken to pieces." In Holy Scripture, the heart is the seat of all feeling, whether joy or sorrow. A contrite heart is one in which the natural pride and self-sufficiency have been completely humbled by the consciousness of guilt. The theological term "contrition" designates more than is found in these passages. It refers to the grief experienced as a consequence of the revelation of sin made by the preaching of the law (Jeremiah 23:29). The Augsburg Confession (Article XII) analyzes repentance into two parts: "Contrition and faith," the one the fruit of the preaching of the law, the other of the gospel. While contrition has its degrees, and is not equal in all persons, the promise of forgiveness is not dependent upon the degree of contrition, but solely upon the merit of Christ. It is not simply a precondition of faith, but, as hatred of sin, combined with the purpose, by God's aid, to overcome it, grows with faith. Library Contrition. On Contrition Whether it is Necessary to have Contrition for Each Mortal Sin? Whether Contrition is an Act of virtue? Holy Exercises of Contrition. Whether Contrition is an Assumed Sorrow for Sins, Together with ... Whether Contrition is the Greatest Possible Sorrow in the World? Whether a Man is Bound to have Contrition for his Future Sins? Whether Contrition Should be on Account of Original Sin? Whether Attrition Can Become Contrition? Thesaurus Contrition (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CONTRITE; CONTRITION. ... The theological term "contrition" designates more than is found in these passages. ... /c/contrition.htm - 8k Contrite (5 Occurrences) Thigh (38 Occurrences) Repentance (28 Occurrences) Penitence (1 Occurrence) Brokenness (4 Occurrences) Contrived (1 Occurrence) Cain (18 Occurrences) Shame (412 Occurrences) Confession (22 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to be contrite? What is contrition? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.org How can I have a closer relationship with God? | GotQuestions.org Contrition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Contrition (1 Occurrence)Psalms 90:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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