222. To what does the forgiveness of sins necessarily lead?
The forgiveness of sins leads to the full enjoyment of the blessed rights which belong to a child of God; it also gives free access to the Father's fellowship and blessing, and to the glorious inheritance of eternal life.
Ps. 32:1, 2. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Rom. 8:17. And if [we are] children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.
223. What is the New Birth?
The New Birth is the gracious work of the Holy Spirit whereby He, through His indwelling in our hearts, renews the image of God in us, and thus creates a new spiritual man.
2 Cor. 5:17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold, all things are new.
John 1:12, 13. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.