From Luther's Small Catechism
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the
communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the
body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
What does this mean? I believe that I cannot by my own
reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but
the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His
gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.
In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole
Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one
true faith.
In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and
the sins of all believers.
On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life
to me and all believers in Christ.
This is most certainly true.
