Westminster Confession of Faith 9.4
“When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, He freeth him from his natural bondage under sin; and by His grace alone enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good; yet so as that, by reason of his remaining corruption, he doth not perfectly nor only will that which is good, but doth also will that which is evil.”
In this episode of Confessional Moments, we examine Westminster Confession of Faith 9.4 and the transformation of the human will in the state of grace. When God converts a sinner, He liberates the will from its bondage to sin and enables the believer to pursue spiritual good through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Yet the Confession also speaks honestly about the Christian life. Though believers are renewed by grace, the remnants of sin remain. The Christian life therefore includes an ongoing struggle between the flesh and the Spirit as God continues the work of sanctification.
Drawing from Scripture and the insights of the Puritan tradition, this episode explains how regeneration restores spiritual freedom while also preparing believers for the lifelong battle against indwelling sin. It is a doctrine that humbles us, strengthens perseverance, and directs our hope toward the day when Christ will perfect our holiness in glory.
Scripture Reading & References
Galatians 5:17
Romans 6:17–18
Philippians 2:13
Romans 7:15–25
Puritan & Reformed Sources Referenced
Thomas Watson — A Body of Divinity (1692)
John Owen — Of the Mortification of Sin
Stephen Charnock — Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God (1682)
Thomas Goodwin — Works (Vol. 1)
Richard Sibbes — The Bruised Reed (1630)
Key Doctrinal Themes
Regeneration
The sovereign work of the Holy Spirit in giving a new heart to the sinner and bringing them into the state of grace.
Spiritual Freedom
The liberation of the human will from slavery to sin, enabling the believer to pursue spiritual good.
Indwelling Sin
The remaining corruption within believers that continues to wage war against the new nature until glorification.
Sanctification
The ongoing work of God’s grace by which believers grow in holiness throughout the Christian life.
About the Host
Confessional Moments is hosted by Pastor Tim Beauchamp, teaching elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA). Pastor Tim is committed to helping Christians grow in doctrinal clarity, spiritual maturity, and confidence in Christ through the riches of the Reformed confessional tradition.
Church Website
Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA)
www.trinitychurchguam.org