God ways are not simply external changes which are brought about by sociological principles and behavior modification. The Triune God works through the Word and Holy Spirit to give the gift of faith in the inner spirit. The only way in which the believer can mortify the old Adam is through faith, which gives a confidence that calms the conscience, motivates the heart and makes the person “so certain that it would die a thousand times for it.” Faith works inward contrition and confession of sins. Contrition puts to death the old Adam daily in fulfillment of holy Baptism. As the believer exercises his faith, he cries out for mercy because he realizes He is heavily burdened by his own self. God comes to His aid by attacking the old Adam with adversity, troubles, sufferings, the cross, unrest, dying and death.
Resources: Lesson Seven Baptism Feb 21 2016
SRM1657- Afflictions or listen at https://soundcloud.com/trinity-lutheran-herrin
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