Article 12
And this is that regeneration so highly extolled in Scripture, that renewal,
new creation, resurrection from the dead, making alive, which God works in us
without our aid. But this is in no wise effected merely by the external
preaching of the gospel, by moral suasion, or such a mode of operation that,
after God has performed His part, it still remains in the power of man to be
regenerated or not, to be converted or to continue unconverted; but it is
evidently a supernatural work, most powerful, and at the same time most
delightful, astonishing, mysterious, and ineffable; not inferior in efficacy to
creation or the resurrection from the dead, as the Scripture inspired by the
Author of this work declares; so that all in whose heart God works in this
marvelous manner are certainly, infallibly, and effectually regenerated, and do
actually believe. Whereupon the will thus renewed is not only actuated and
influenced by God, but in consequence of this influence becomes itself active.
Wherefore also man himself is rightly said to believe and repent by virtue of
that grace received.