In the beginnings of salvation, we learn that we are sinners, that we have a problem, and that we stand in need of God. Contrition is that step on the way of salvation when we feel sorry for our sin, when we wish that it could be made right. In repentance, we turn away from sin and toward God. The beginnings of the way of salvation also include the means God uses to communicate the gospel of salvation to us. Salvation is for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord” (Rom. 10:13), and Paul emphasizes that God works in bringing this about through preaching, testimony, and evangelism.
