works. Christ commanded His disciples to baptize men in the name of the
Father and of the Son _and of the Holy Ghost_. [Matt. 28:19]

The Holy Spirit instructed the prophets and teachers of Old Testament
times, [II Peter 1:21] and was poured out upon the apostles on the day
of Pentecost. [Acts 2] He inspired the Holy Scriptures. [II Tim. 3:16]
He comes into our hearts through the Word of God and the Sacraments.

II. HIS WORK.

The work of the Holy Ghost is _Sanctification_. This word is used here,
at the head of the Third Article, in the wide sense, and includes the
Holy Spirit's entire work upon our souls; namely, Calling, Enlightening,
Sanctification in the narrower sense, and Preservation in the Faith.

1. ITS NECESSITY. If the Holy Spirit does not work in us, we cannot be
saved. Hence, we say in the catechism,

I BELIEVE THAT I CANNOT BY MY OWN REASON OR STRENGTH BELIEVE IN JESUS
CHRIST MY LORD, OR COME TO HIM. For as I am by nature, my _reason_ is so
darkened by sin, [I Cor. 2:14+] that I do not see my need of the
Saviour; and I am so lacking in spiritual _strength_ (being dead in
trespasses and sins), [Eph. 2:1] that I am unable to believe in Christ.
Consequently it is necessary that the Holy Spirit should teach me to see
in Christ my only Saviour, and give me strength to believe in Him.

2. ITS NATURE. BUT THE HOLY GHOST HAS

CALLED ME THROUGH THE GOSPEL. [II Tim. 1:9] He has caused His Word to be
written [II Thess. 2:14, II Tim. 3:16] and causes it to be continually