2734. This matter is just as hidden from the earthly person who is not led by the Lord, as is the inner sight spoken of earlier [1988]. That type of conclusion, opinion, and reflection causes the Lord not to operate and the person not to be reformed, but to be in the state of a non-being. Neither can people arrive at conviction except by the Lord's working as if through their power. This is how the Lord convinces a person. Otherwise the Word becomes mere knowledge and like miracles, has no effect.