Introduction
We receive the benefits of Christ’s redemptive work when the Holy spirit calls us by the Gospel to faith in Christ. This Gospel is revealed in the special means which Christ has given for creating faith and imparting forgiveness of sins.
- How does the Holy Spirit bring you the Gospel?
The Holy Spirit brings me the Gospel in the sacred means of grace: the Word of God and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
- Why do we call the Word and Sacraments the means of grace?
We call the Word and Sacraments the means of grace because by means of the them the Holy Spirit brings us God’s grace and makes it ours. (See Question 273.) - What did the Holy Spirit work in you when He called you by the Gospel?
When the Holy Spirit called me by the Gospel, He enlightened me with His gifts, that is, He cause dthe light of His Word to give me- true knowledge of sin,
- true faith in Christ and
- the strength to lead a holy life.
- Why is it necessary to have true knowledge of sin?
It is necessary to have true knowledge of sin, because faith in the Savior arises only in a heart that has been driven to despair of its own righteousness.
- Why is it necessary to have true faith in Jesus Christ?
It is necessary to have true faith in Jesus Christ because only faith in Him justifies and saves.
- What is true faith in Jesus Christ?
True faith in Jesus Christ is this, that I, a lost and condemned sinner, know Jesus Christ as my only Savior from sin, death and the devil and trust with all my heart in Him alone.
- Is true faith always strong?
Faith may at times be so weak that the Christian hardly dares to accept God’s gracious forgiveness, but even such weak faith has full salvation.
- How does weak faith show itself to be saving faith?
Weak faith shows itself to be saving faith by its- hatred of sin,
- desire for grace in Christ and
- love for fellow believers.
- What does the Holy Spirit do to keep you in true faith?
In order to keep me in true faith the Holy Spirit, through the means of grace,- gives me an alert conscience,
- strengthens me in temptation,
- guides me into the truth and
- comofrots me with the grace and mercy of God.
Conclusion
When you believe in Christ as your only Savior, you are God’s child, and God the Holy Spirit dwells within you. He comes to you through the Word and Sacraments to lead you to repentance and faith. Through these means of grace, He gives you the new birth in Christ (regeneration) and continues to strengthen you in faith and good works (sanctification). And He does this not in you only, but in every child of God.
Hymn
All our knowledge, sense and sight
Lie in deepest darkness shrouded
Till Thy Spirit breaks our night
With the beams of truth unclouded.
Thou alone to God canst win us;
Thou must work all good within us. (ELH 1:2)
Bible Readings
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