WLC 79

Q79. May not true believers, by reason of their imperfections, and the many temptations and sins they are overtaken with, fall away from the state of grace ?

True believers, by reason of the unchangeable love of God, and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance, their inseparable union with Christ, his continual intercession for them, and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

Proof texts

• Jer. 31:3 — [3] the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
• 2 Tim. 2:19-21 — [19] But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” [20] Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. [21] Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
• 2 Sam. 23:5 — [5] “For does not my house stand so with God? For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. For will he not cause to prosper all my help and my desire?
• 1 Cor. 1:8-9 — [8] who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
• Heb. 7:25 — [25] Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
• Luke 22:32 — [32] but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
• 1 John 2:27 — [27] But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie — just as it has taught you, abide in him.
• 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.
• Jer. 32:40 — [40] I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.
• John 10:28 — [28] I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
• 1 Pet. 1:5 — [5] who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Jer. 31:3 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 11 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. CD 4.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. The Assembly divided over this: The Perseverance of the Saints. Can the truly regenerate finally fall from grace? What turns on the answer?

Read alongside

CD 4.1