OPERATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT   § 139. The various operations of the Holy Spirit performed through the means of grace are the works of Vocation, Regeneration or Conversion, Renovation or Sanctification, and Preservation.    

VOCATION   § 140. Vocation 1 is the act of God by which He, through the means of grace,2 earnestly offers 3 to all who hear or read the Gospel,4 or to whom the sacraments are administered,5 the benefits of Christ’s …

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EFFECTS OF THE CALL   § 141. By the divine power residing in the means of grace, and working through the same,1 the calling grace of God effects regeneration,2 or conversion.3 Wherever these effects are not attained, this is due to …

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REGENERATION   § 142. Regeneration 1 is the act of divine grace 2 and power 3 by which man, born of the flesh,4 void of all power to think,5 to will,6 or to do,7 any good thing, and dead in sin,8 …

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CONVERSION   § 143. Conversion 1 in a stricter sense of the term is the work of God 2 by which man is, through the Gospel, transferred 3 from a state of sin and wrath and spiritual death, in which by …

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CONVERSION AND PREPARATORY OPERATIONS   § 144. Regeneration or Conversion in the stricter sense, being essentially the procreation of true and saving faith,1 is an instantaneous act or process,2 but is in adults preceded by preparatory operations, whereby the sinner is …

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CONVERSION PURELY THE WORK OF GOD   § 145. Inasmuch as regeneration or conversion is essentially the bestowal of faith,1 it is wholly and exclusively a work of God,2 wherein the person being regenerated or converted can in no wise or …

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ACT OF FAITH   § 146. The act of saving faith is the acceptance 1 of the benefits of Christ offered through the means of grace 2 by knowledge of, assent to, and reliance on, the teachings and promises of the …

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STATE OF FAITH § 147. The state of saving faith 1 is the continued possession 2 of the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice through an enduring confidence in Christ the Savior and the promises of the Gospel.3 1. The state of saving faith… …

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JUSTIFICATION   § 148. The chief benefit of Christ’s vicarious obedience is the perfect righteousness obtained by Christ for all mankind,1 the acquisition of which God accepted as a reconciliation of the world to Himself,2 imputing to mankind the merit of …

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