SD 17.1
Savoy Declaration
17.1. Of the Perseverance of the Saints
They whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved.
Proof texts
- Phil. 1:6 — [6] And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
- 2 Pet. 1:10 — [10] Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
- John 10:28, 29 — [28] I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.
- 1 John 3:9 — [9] No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.
- 1 Pet. 1:5, 9 — [5] who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [9] obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Phil. 1:6 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WCF 17.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WCF 17.2 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?