Of free will, and thus of human powers (Second Helvetic Confession, 9d)
Ronald Cammenga examines the Second Helvetic Confession's teaching on the weakened will of the regenerate, arguing that while believers actively participate in choosing good, they remain spiritually weak due to indwelling sin until glorification. The article grounds this Reformed doctrine in Scripture (Romans 7, Galatians 5) and patristic theology, emphasizing that believers must acknowledge their infirmity and recognize all spiritual accomplishments as gifts from God rather than products of their own strength.
Previous article in this series: November 15, 2020, p. 90. The Free Will Is Weak in the Regenerate. Secondly, in the regenerate a weakness remains. For since sin dwells in us, and in the regenerate the flesh struggles against the Spirit till the end of our lives, they do not easily accomplish in all things what they had planned. These things are confirmed by the apostle in Romans 7 and Galatians 5. Therefore, that free will is weak in us on account of the remnants of the old Adam and of...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org