Whitefield explores the doctrine of genuine regeneration and how little it is understood. He warns that "nothing short of a thorough sound conversion will fit thee for the kingdom of heaven." What does it mean to be in Christ and to be a new creature? He explains the reasoning why this must be the case. He explains what practical effects this has in life. "Let each of us therefore seriously put this question to our hearts: Have we received the Holy Ghost since we believed? Are we new creatures in Christ, or no?"