Articles
A Contrite Heart
A Contrite Heart
Isaiah 57:15 15 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.
The LORD reminds them that it was His anger at their sins that brought their punishment. He also promises that He will heal, lead, restore them. He promises that they will yet find peace with Him. Yet, not everyone will be at peace. The LORD again states that there is no peace with the wicked. (Isa. 48:22; 57:21).
God is Holy. He will not dwell with evil. He will separate himself from all who do evil. He cannot simply ignore man's sin for He is righteous and just. Those that sin will not dwell in the presence of God. Hence, there is no peace with the wicked.
However, for SOME who have sinned there IS peace. They will dwell with God. Which sinners can find such peace? Those who are contrite of heart. This is another way of saying those who repent. It is those who have godly sorrow over their SIN (not just their having been 'caught') who have the promise of forgiveness.
Such was demanded throughout the Old Testament. (1Kings 8:47-48; Isa. 1:27; Ezek. 14:6; 18:30; etc.). John the Baptist had this as the foundation of his preaching on forgiveness (Matt. 3:2-11). Jesus demanded it of those who desired to not perish for their sins (Matt. 4:17; Luke 13:3). Peter demanded it in his first sermon (Acts 2:38) and later in his last letter (2Peter. 3:9). Paul emphasized that repentance leads to salvation (2Cor. 7:10).
David declared: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Ps. 51:17). Isaiah would bring his book to a close with God proclaiming: " All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word" (Isa. 66:2)
God had spent 39 chapters of Isaiah's writing condemning sin in the world. In the last part of Isaiah He offers time and again to comfort and restore His people. He offers forgiveness to ALL who would repent and turn to Him through the Messiah. Jesus offers us this peace saying: "In me you will have peace" (John 16:33). He himself is our peace (Eph. 2:14). "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1).
Has your heart been broken over your sin?
