A Broken and Contrite Heart

Abstract

In A Broken and a Contrite Heart, Siegbert W. Becker addresses the theological and pastoral misunderstandings surrounding contrition and its role in the assurance of forgiveness. Prompted by a study revealing that many Lutheran children lacked certainty about the forgiveness of sins, Becker critiques the notion that sorrow over sin earns divine pardon. He warns against viewing repentance as a prerequisite for grace, emphasizing that salvation is by grace alone, not by emotional depth or purity of motive. Becker explores the dangers of demanding sorrow “out of love” rather than “out of fear,” showing how such expectations can lead either to despair or self-righteousness. True contrition, he argues, is valuable not as merit but as recognition of one’s need for grace. The Law must convict, but only the Gospel can comfort. Becker calls for clarity in teaching, so that forgiveness is understood as God’s free gift through Christ. Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).