1689 17.3

17.3. Of The Perseverance of the Saints

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.

Proof texts

• 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.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Matthew 26:70, 72, 74 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 7 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WLC Q79 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WLC Q80 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WLC Q79 · WLC Q80 · WLC Q81 · WCF 17.1 · WCF 17.2 · WCF 17.3 · CD 4.1 · SD 17.1 · SD 17.2 · SD 17.3