6. Of Repentance and Reformation of Life

We believe and confess that, since the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth, and therefore inclined to all unrighteousness, sin, and wickedness, the first lesson of the precious New Testament of the Son of God is repentance and reformation of life; and that therefore those who have ears to hear, and hearts to understand, must bring forth genuine fruits of repentance, reform their lives, believe the Gospel, turn away from evil and do good, cease from unrighteousness, forsake sin, put off the old man with his deeds, and put on the new man, who after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. For neither baptism, supper, church, nor any other outward ceremony can, without faith, regeneration, and a change or renewing of life, do anything to please God or to obtain from Him any comfort or promise of salvation; instead we must go to God with an upright heart, and in perfect faith, and believe in Jesus Christ, as the Scripture says and testifies of Him. Through this faith we obtain forgiveness of sins, are sanctified, justified, and made children of God, indeed we partake of His mind, nature, and image, as being born again of God from above, through incorruptible seed. Genesis 8, verse 21; Mark 1, verse 15; Ezekiel 12, verse 2; Colossians 3, verses 9 and 10; Ephesians 4, verses 22 and 24; Hebrews 10, verses 22 and 23; John 7, verse 38.