Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Broken, Contrite

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of a broken and contrite heart is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting a profound transformation that occurs within an individual who has encountered the grace and mercy of God. This transformation is not merely an emotional response but a fundamental change in one's spiritual disposition, aligning the heart with the will and purposes of God.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of a broken and contrite heart is prominently featured in the Psalms, particularly in Psalm 51, a penitential psalm attributed to King David. After being confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding his sin with Bathsheba, David expresses deep remorse and seeks God's forgiveness. In Psalm 51:17 , David declares, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." This verse underscores the value God places on genuine repentance and humility over ritualistic offerings.

The Nature of a Broken Heart

A broken heart, in the biblical sense, is not merely one that experiences sorrow or regret. It is a heart that recognizes its own sinfulness and inadequacy apart from God's grace. This recognition leads to a posture of humility and dependence on God. The broken heart is aware of its need for divine intervention and is open to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

The Role of Contrition

Contrition goes hand in hand with a broken heart. It involves a sincere and deep remorse for one's sins, accompanied by a desire to turn away from them. In Isaiah 57:15 , the Lord speaks of dwelling "with the contrite and humble in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." This passage highlights God's promise to restore and renew those who approach Him with a contrite heart.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of a broken and contrite heart. In the Beatitudes, Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who are "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3), a phrase that echoes the Old Testament concept of contrition. The apostle Paul also speaks to this theme, urging believers to "put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires" (Ephesians 4:22), and to embrace a renewed heart and mind.

Spiritual Implications

A broken and contrite heart is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. It is the fertile ground in which the seeds of faith can take root and flourish. Such a heart is receptive to God's word and responsive to His leading. It is marked by a willingness to confess sins, seek forgiveness, and pursue righteousness.

Practical Outworking

In practical terms, a broken and contrite heart manifests in a life characterized by humility, repentance, and a continual turning towards God. It involves an ongoing process of self-examination and a commitment to align one's life with the teachings of Scripture. This heart is quick to forgive others, recognizing its own need for forgiveness, and is eager to extend grace and mercy.

Conclusion

The character of the renewed heart, marked by brokenness and contrition, is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace. It is a heart that has been touched by the love of Christ and is continually being shaped into His likeness. Through this process, believers are drawn closer to God, experiencing the fullness of life that comes from walking in His ways.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 34:18
The LORD is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Tears of the Penitent.
... of his evil, he has seen its inmost character, he has ... rises ere its close to a vow
of renewed praise. ... are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God ...
/.../maclaren/the life of david/xiii the tears of the penitent.htm

A Paradox
... What a division of character and feeling would be found ... and believe the gospel; that
they must be renewed in the ... he that trusteth either his own heart or head ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a paradox.htm

The Great Change
... That vow renewed shall daily hear ... have heard Christ speak, and I have observed the
excellence of his character"? ... "Give me a broken and contrite heart," says the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the great change.htm

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... 5. As to my Christian character in general ... Are the fruits of the Spirit manifest
in my heart and life ... 8. Have I put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

Who is the Greatest?
... knowledge, any question of precedence might have renewed the trouble. ... is sufficient
to work the degradation of the character, and to ... The stony heart is broken. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 48 who is the.htm

Aims of the Papacy.
... of truth, and whose hearts are renewed by the ... and, like paganism, misrepresenting
the character of God ... All that He asks is a broken and contrite heart, a humble ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /35 aims of the papacy.htm

Liberty of Conscience Threatened
... of truth, and whose hearts are renewed by the ... and, like paganism, misrepresenting
the character of God ... All that He asks is a broken and contrite heart, a humble ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 35 liberty of conscience.htm

Christ's First and Last Subject
... were no sins, suddenly rise up on their true character, and acts ... If you are renewed
by grace, and were to meet your old self ... "A broken and a contrite heart, O God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/christs first and last subject.htm

How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him
... because it is not his predominant character, yet he ... knows whom he has believed, and
his heart rests in ... between the little spring within the renewed breast and ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/how a mans conduct comes.htm

Rom. xii. 1
... and kindleth lusts after pleasures, nor the heart that hath ... is why he also bids you
be renewed, "that ye ... body in the Psalmist is of this character, who hath ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xx rom xii 1.htm