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Stump, Joseph

"An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism"


IV. THE FRUITS OF HIS WORK.

The Forgiveness of Sins; the Resurrection of the Body; and the Life
Everlasting.
The fruits of the Holy Spirit's work in us are: 1. The Forgiveness of
Sins. 2. The Resurrection of the Body and the Life Everlasting.
1. _THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS_ has been acquired for me by my Saviour
Jesus Christ; [I John 1:7+] but it is made mine by the Holy Ghost, who
has brought me to faith and preserved me in it. For it is through faith
that I obtain forgiveness. [Rom 5:1]
IN WHICH CHRISTIAN CHURCH. The forgiveness of sins is made mine _in the
Church_ through the Word of God and the Sacraments. Faith takes hold of
and clings to the promises therein given. Special assurance of
forgiveness is also given in Confession and Absolution.
HE DAILY FORGIVES ABUNDANTLY ALL MY SINS. Even if I am a sincere
Christian, I am an imperfect and sinful creature, and I need God's
forgiveness every day. [I John 1:8, 9, Rom. 7:18-25] By keeping me in a
state of repentance and faith, the Holy Spirit secures to me the
continuous forgiveness of all my sins.


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