Eight steps

You see the unquestionable progress from grace to sin. Thus it goes on, from step to step. First, the divine seed of loving, conquering faith remains in him who is born of God. He keeps himself, by the grace of God, and cannot commit sin. Second, a temptation arises, whether from the world, the flesh, or the devil. It matters not. Third, the Spirit of God gives him warning that sin is near, and bids him more abundantly watch toward prayer. Fourth, he gives way, in some degree, to the temptation, which now begins to grow pleasing to him. Fifth, the Holy Spirit is grieved. His faith is weakened, and his love of God grows cold. Sixth, the Spirit reproves him more sharply, and says, "This is the way (Isaiah 30:21). Walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21). Seventh, he turns away from the painful voice of God, and listens to the pleasing voice of the tempter. Eighth, evil desire begins and spreads in his soul, until faith and love vanish away. He is then capable of committing outward sin, the power of the Lord being departed from him (Judges 16:20).