A contrite heart is essential as it shows recognition of one’s inability to meet God’s standards and dependence on His mercy.
Scripture teaches that God delights in a broken spirit and a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). This signifies an understanding of one’s sinfulness and the realization that human efforts are insufficient for salvation. A contrite heart acknowledges our brokenness and helplessness before God, thus recognizing the need for His grace. It is through this humility that one can genuinely turn to Christ for salvation, believing that through faith in Him, even the worst of sinners can be justified (Romans 4:5). This posture is not only crucial at the beginning of the Christian life but is vital for daily living in reliance on God's grace.
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