Contrition as a prerequisite to asking for forgiveness appeals to common sense. This forgiveness model falls apart if the heart is not sufficiently sorry for its transgressions. So, if true heartfelt contrition is a prerequisite for forgiveness, we are then left wanting for some standard by which this condition can be measured and met. If not, you better not come around here asking forgiveness until you are.
Sin hates to be exposed.
It often goes to work when nobody is looking. It then conceals itself in the shadows of lies and half-truths. Today, people like their pastors but they do not trust him any farther than they could throw him. What a sad commentary. None of these attributes will do us one bit of good when we are confronted with the guilt of our sin before a holy God.