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1689 17.3 Of The Perseverance of the Saints

Of The Perseverance of the Saints

Section 17.3

And though they may through the temptation of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of means of their preservation fall into grievous sins, and for a time continue therein; whereby they incur Gods displeasure, and grieve his holy Spirit, come to have their graces and comforts impaired have their hearts hardened, and their Consciences wounded, hurt, and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgements upon themselves: yet they shall renew their repentance and be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end.

See also in WCF: 17.1, 17.2, 17.3 See also in WLC: Q79, Q80, Q81 Compare: Of Perseverance of the Saints
Matthew 26:70, 72, 74
[70] But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” [72] And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” [74] Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed.
Isaiah 64:5, 9
[5] You meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways. Behold, you were angry, and we sinned; in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved? [9] Be not so terribly angry, O LORD, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people.
Ephesians 4:30
[30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Psalms 51:10, 12
[10] Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. [12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalms 32:3, 4
[3] For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. [4] For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. <i>Selah</i>
2 Samuel 12:14
[14] Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child who is born to you shall die.”
Luke 22:32, 61, 62
[32] but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” [61] And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” [62] And he went out and wept bitterly.
See also in WCF
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Chapter 17: Of The Perseverance of the Saints

The perseverance of the elect in the state of grace

Of The Perseverance of the Saints

Section 17.1

Those whom God hath accepted in the beloved, effectually called and Sanctified by his Spirit, and given the precious faith of his Elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end and be eternally saved, seeing the gifts and callings of God are without Repentance, (whence he still begets and nourisheth in them Faith, Repentance, Love, Joy, Hope, and all the graces of the Spirit unto immortality) and though many storms and floods arise and beat against them, yet they shall never be able to take them off that foundation and rock which by faith they are fastned upon: notwithstanding through unbelief and the temptations of Satan the sensible sight of the light and love of God, may for a time be clouded, and obscured from them, yet he is still the same and they shall be sure to be kept by the power of God unto Salvation, where they shall enjoy their purchased possession, they being engraven upon the palm of his hands, and their names having been written in the book of life from all Eternity.

Of The Perseverance of the Saints

Section 17.2

This perseverance of the Saints depends not upon their own free will; but upon the immutability of the decree of Election flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father; upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ and Union with him, the oath of God, the abiding of his Spirit & the seed of God within them, and the nature of the Covenant of Grace from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof.

Of The Perseverance of the Saints

Section 17.3

And though they may through the temptation of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of means of their preservation fall into grievous sins, and for a time continue therein; whereby they incur Gods displeasure, and grieve his holy Spirit, come to have their graces and comforts impaired have their hearts hardened, and their Consciences wounded, hurt, and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgements upon themselves: yet they shall renew their repentance and be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end.