Regeneration

As soon as the Holy Spirit has initiated his work of regeneration and renewal in us through the Word and the holy sacraments, it is certain that we can and must cooperate by the power of the Holy Spirit, even though in great weakness. Such cooperation does not proceed from out carnal and natural powers, but from the new powers, but from the new powers and gifts which the Holy Spirit has begun in us in conversion. ~~ Book of Concord, FC SD II, 65: AC XX, 27-34.