It bears repeating...
In discussing Wesley & Whitefield, along with Edwards and the Great Awakening today at our Tapestry of Grace Co-op, I was asked to share some pastoral/biblical counsel on manifestations of the Spirit in connection with conversion along with what the ongoing work of the Spirit looks like. I couldn't resist... had to take these young people to RPT 2.8:
> 8. The special work of the Holy Spirit is to apply to the elect the redeem- ing benefits of Christ’s atonement. The outward and ordinary means through which He communicates the knowledge of redemption is the written Word, in which is infallibly recorded the will of God for man’s salvation. He prepares for the reception of the Word and accompanies it with His persuasive power. He regenerates the elect by His grace, convicts them of sin, moves them to repentance and persuades and enables them to embrace Christ through faith. In re- generation He works secretly, super- naturally and effectually. This work is in itself so distinct and necessary, that without it, no evidence of the truth of the Gospel, no power of argument, no persuasion of love or of terror, no human eloquence, no combination of the most favorable circumstances, can be effectual in producing salvation. John 3:1-8; Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 12:3; 2 Pet. 1:21; 2 Sam. 23:2; John 7:39; John 16: 13; Titus 3:5; Ezek. 36:27; 1 John 4:2; Gal. 4:6; 2 Thess. 2:13.
Ah... beauty. You can check out the entire harmony of the WCF and the RPT here: www.reformedpresbyterian.org
