We give thanks for the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. He created life and light within our dead and darkened souls enabling us to be repentant toward God and have faith in Christ who alone is the Savior of sinners. Remember, however, God accepted and justified us, not upon the basis of what the Spirit would do, but because of what Christ has accomplished by His death. Our perfect standing before God and assurance of salvation is not to be found in the work of the Lord within, though that was necessary and nothing short of miraculous. Our confidence and assurance of salvation is in our Savior and His sacrifice for our sins. My hope (confident expectation of future glory) is in Christ and His finished redemption. “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ Name.”