[2] 2 Cor. 5:17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Ezek. 36:26; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:28, 29.
[3] John 3:8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth, so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 1:13; James 1:16–18; 1 Cor. 1:30; Phil. 2:13.
[4] 1 Peter 1:22–25. Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit. 1 John 5:1; Eph. 4:20–24; Col. 3:6–11.
[5] Eph. 5:9. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness, and truth. Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:18–23; Eph. 5:14–21; Matt. 3:8–10, 7:20; 1 John 5:4, 18.
viii. repentance and faith
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in the soul by the regenerating Spirit of God;[1] whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ,[2] we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.[3]
[1] Mark 1:15. Repent ye, and believe the Gospel. Acts 11:18. Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Eph. 2:8. By grace are ye saved, through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. 1 John 3:1.
[2] John 16:8. He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Acts 2:38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Acts 16:30, 31.
[3] Romans 10:9–11. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Acts 3:22, 23; Heb. 4:14.
ix. god’s purpose of grace