CD 4.21

Canons of Dort

4.21. Fifth Head of Doctrine, Rejection of Errors 6

Who teach: That the doctrine of the certainty of perseverance and of salvation from its own character and nature is a cause of indolence and is injurious to godliness, good morals, prayers and other holy exercises, but that on the contrary it is praiseworthy to doubt. For these show that they do not know the power of divine grace and the working of the indwelling Holy Spirit. And they contradict the Apostle John, who teaches the opposite with express words in his first epistle: "Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him, for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure," I John 3:2, 3. Furthermore, these are contradicted by the example of the saints, both of the Old and New Testament, who though they were assured of their perseverance and salvation, were nevertheless constant in prayers and other exercises of godliness.

Proof texts

For discussion

  1. The Assembly cited 1 John 3:2-3 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
  2. WLC Q79 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
  3. 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 · 1689 17.1 · 1689 17.2 · 1689 17.3 · 1689 18.1 · 1689 18.2 · 1689 18.3 · 1689 18.4