(a) By the Word and the Sacraments the Holy Spirit is given, Who produces faith whenever and wherever it appears, in those who hear the gospel. (b) Contrition, Justification by faith, Renewal and Good Works, follow in order; they are to be carefully distinguished from each other. Contrition and good works contribute nothing towards salvation; faith alone avails. (c) Justification by faith alone is remission of sins, deliverance from damnation, reconciliation on the part of the Father, and adoption as sons. It is effected by the imputation of Christ's merit or righteousness. (d) Hence faith is that very righteousness whereby we are accounted righteous before God, and it is trust in grace and reliance on it. (e) Renewal, which follows, is vivification, regeneration and sanctification. (f) This renewal is followed by good works which are the fruits of faith, being in themselves works of the Spirit. (g) This faith may be lost by grievous sins.

THE GENERAL HEADS CONCERNING THE LAW AND THE GOSPELS ARE THESE

(h) We must carefully distinguish between the Law and the Gospel, and between works of the Law and works of the Spirit, which are the fruits of faith. (i) The Law is doctrine which shows that man is in sin, and therefore in damnation, and in the wrath of God; thus exciting terror. But the Gospel is doctrine concerning atonement for sin through Christ, and deliverance from damnation; it is thus a doctrine of consolation. (k) There are three uses of the Law: to restrain the wicked, to bring to men an acknowledgment of their sins, and to teach the reborn the rules of life. (l) The reborn are in the Law, yet not under the Law, but under Grace. (m) It is the duty of the reborn to exercise themselves in the Law because, while they live in the world, they are prompted to sin by the flesh, but they become pure and perfect after death. (n) The reborn are also reproved by the Holy Spirit, and undergo various struggles; nevertheless, they keep the Law willingly; thus, being the children of God, they live in the Law. (o) With those who are not reborn, the veil of Moses still remains before their eyes, and the old Adam bears rule; but with the reborn the veil of Moses is taken away, and the old Adam is mortified.