Grow In Grace
For Additional Study
THE HOLY SPIRIT AND HIS WORK The Holy Spirit is true God. Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and gather disciples from all nations, by baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The work of the Holy Spirit is necessary because by nature we are spiritually blind, spiritually dead, and enemies of God.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “Indeed, it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” These words explain that when it comes to our salvation, we can do
For review, see The Only True God, p. 8-9.
For review, see God’s Expectations for All People, p. 14-16. The Holy Spirit is also called the Counselor (John 14:26).
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The Holy Spirit gives the gift of faith. 1 Corinthians 12:3b “...no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.” John 6:63a “The Spirit is the one who gives life. The flesh does not help at all.”
The Holy Spirit uses the Means of Grace, that is, the Gospel as it appears in the Word and in the Sacraments. Romans 10:17 “So then, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through the word of Christ.” Romans 1:16a “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes...”
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Conversion, renewing, rebirth, making alive are all terms that describe this giving of faith by the Holy Spirit. The Means of Grace are the Words of Scripture and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (which both use the Words of Scripture).