The Working of the Holy Ghost

Abstract

In this 1974 address to Lutheran educators, Dr. Siegbert W. Becker explores the doctrine of conversion and the role of the Holy Ghost in bringing sinners to faith. He emphasizes the total depravity of natural man—spiritually blind, dead, and hostile to God—and critiques modern theological and psychological attempts to soften this reality. Becker affirms that salvation is entirely by grace, not by human effort, and that the Holy Spirit works through the means of grace—Word and Sacraments—to awaken faith. He urges Christian teachers to faithfully proclaim both Law and Gospel, recognizing that fear and contrition must precede the comfort of forgiveness. Becker stresses that forgiveness is not conditional upon sorrow or faith but is a divine declaration already accomplished in Christ. Teachers are called to be heralds of this message, trusting the Spirit to apply it to each heart. The paper is a passionate call to doctrinal clarity and evangelical teaching. Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)