Liberty of Conscience & Free Will

10 passages across 5 documents address Liberty of Conscience & Free Will. The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. The Nature and Definitions of the Free Power of Choice

"By the freedom of the will is meant, a liberty in the will of its own accord to choose or refuse; to do or not to do; to do this, or to do that, without any constraint or force from any one." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"the soul consists of two parts, the intellect and the will, (Book 2 chap. 2 sec. 2, 12,) - the office of the intellect being to distinguish between objects, according as they seem deserving of being approved or disapproved; and the office of the will, to choose and follow what the intellect declares to be good, to reject and shun what it declares to be bad" [John Calvin - Institutes]

"freedom is opposed to constraint, and is a quality of the will, or a natural power of an intelligent creature, concurring with the will; that is, it is the power of choosing or refusing, of its own accord, and without any constraint, an object presented by the understanding, the nature of the will remaining the same, and being free to choose this or that, or to defer any action it may see fit" "Free power of choice is therefore the faculty or power of willing or not willing, of choosing or rejecting an object presented by the understanding, of its own accord, and without any constraint." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"In this upright state, man possessed freedom of will, by which, if he chose, he was able to obtain eternal life." "Thus simply to will is the part of man, to will ill the part of corrupt nature, to will well the part of grace." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"Believing is an act of the understanding, is an immediate, not mediated by proofs, attachment of consciousness to revelation. But that faith presupposes a change in the relation of the whole human being to God, it presupposes regeneration, the conversion of the will. Nemo credit nisi volens." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

II. The Freedom of the Will in Man's Fourfold State

"the degrees of free-will may be considered, and distinguished most correctly, according to the fourfold state of man, viz: as not yet fallen into sin—as fallen—as regenerated—and as glorified"

"The first degree of liberty is that which belonged to man before the fall. This consisted in a mind enlightened with the perfect knowledge of God, and a will yielding entire obedience to God by its own voluntary act and inclination; and yet not so confirmed in this knowledge and obedience, but that it might fall by its own free exercise"

"The second degree of free power of choice is that which belongs to man as a fallen being, born of corrupt parents, and unregenerated. In this state the will does indeed act freely, but it is disposed and inclined only to that which is evil, and can do nothing but sin." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"The will may be said to be free only unto sin; and thus the wills of all the children of men in the world, whilst in a state of nature, are free only unto sin." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"Man, since he was corrupted by the fall, sins not forced or unwilling, but voluntarily, by a most forward bias of the mind; not by violent compulsion, or external force, but by the movement of his own passion; and yet such is the depravity of his nature, that he cannot move and act except in the direction of evil." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"The third degree of free power of choice is that which belongs to a man as regenerated, but not as yet perfected and glorified. In this state the will uses its liberty, not only for doing that which is evil, as is true of man before his regeneration, but here the will does both the good and the evil in part."

"The fourth degree of free power of choice, is that which belongs to man after this life, in a state of glorification; or as perfectly regenerated. In this state, the will of man will be free to choose only the good, and not the evil. This will be the highest degree, or the perfect liberty of the human will, when we shall obey God fully and forever." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

III. The Distinction Between Necessity and Compulsion

"Moreover, when I say that the will, deprived of liberty, is led or dragged by necessity to evil, it is strange that any should deem the expression harsh, seeing there is no absurdity in it, and it is not at variance with pious use. It does, however, offend those who know not how to distinguish between necessity and compulsion." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"For it is not immutability, but constraint; or it is not the necessity of unchangeableness, but that of constraint which take away liberty. God is unchangeably and necessarily good, and yet he is at the same time most freely good: the devils are unchangeably and necessarily evil; and yet they are evil, and do that which is evil with the greatest freedom of the will." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

IV. The Three Essential Parts of Christian Liberty

"Christian liberty seems to me to consist of three parts. First, the consciences of believers, while seeking the assurance of their justification before God, must rise above the law, and think no more of obtaining justification by it."

"Another point which depends on the former is, that consciences obey the law, not as if compelled by legal necessity; but being free from the yoke of the law itself, voluntarily obey the will of God." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"The third part of this liberty is that we are not bound before God to any observance of external things which are in themselves indifferent (Adiaphora), but that we are now at full liberty either to use or omit them."

"The moral law has, as it respects one part, been abrogated by Christ... 1. The curse of the law has been removed as it respects those who are justified by faith in Christ, in consequence of having his merits imputed unto them; or it may be said that the law has been abrogated as touching justification... 2. The law has been abrogated in reference to Christians, as it respects constraint. The law no longer forces and wrests obedience as a tyrant, or as a master compels a worthless servant to render obedience to his behests; because Christ commences in us by his Spirit a free and cheerful obedience, so that we willingly comply with whatever the law requires from us." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

V. The Liberty of Conscience Over Against Human Authority

"Therefore conscience is sacrosanct and freedom of conscience an inexorable demand and an inalienable right." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Since by means of this privilege of liberty which we have described, believers have derived authority from Christ not to entangle themselves by the observance of things in which he wished them to be free, we conclude that their consciences are exempted from all human authority."

"Wherefore, as works have respect to men, so conscience bears reference to God, a good conscience being nothing else than inward integrity of heart." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"As long, therefore, as the order of the church is not violated, and offence is not given, the conscience of every one ought to be left free; for it is sometimes necessary, not on account of the command of the church, or of the ministry, but for just causes to do, or to omit things which are indifferent." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

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Canons of Dort

Third and Fourth Head, Article 1: The Effect of the Fall on Human Nature

Man was originally created in the image of God and was furnished in his mind with a true and salutary knowledge of his Creator and things spiritual, in his will and heart with righteousness, and in all his emotions with purity; indeed, the whole man was holy. However, rebelling against God at the devil's instigation and by his own free will, he deprived himself of these outstanding gifts. Rather, in their place he brought upon himself blindness, terrible darkness, futility, and distortion of judgment in his mind; perversity, defiance, and hardness in his heart and will; and finally impurity in all his emotions.

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Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 8: Of Man's Fall, Sin, and the Cause of Sin5 shared topics London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof4 shared topics Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 184 shared topics Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 194 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 254 shared topics Scots Confession · Chapter III: Of Original Sin4 shared topics

Westminster Confession of Faith

Chapter 4: Of Creation

1. It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for the manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, in the beginning, to create, or make of nothing, the world, and all things therein whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days; and all very good.

2. After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and female, with reasonable and immortal souls, endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, after his own image; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfill it: and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject unto change. Beside this law written in their hearts, they received a command, not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; which while they kept, they were happy in their communion with God, and had dominion over the creatures.

Scripture proofs

Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 8:6; Heb. 1:2; John 1:2–3; Gen. 1:2; Job 33:4.
Rom. 11:36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.
1 Cor. 8:6 yet to us [there is] one God the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom [are] all things, and we through Him.
Heb. 1:2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,
John 1:2–3 2 This One was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one [thing] came into being that has come into being.
Gen. 1:2 And the earth was formless and void, and darkness [was] over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Job 33:4 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of Shaddai gives me life.
Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:12; Ps. 104:24; Ps. 33:5.
Rom. 1:20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse.
Jer. 10:12 He has made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom, and by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens.
Ps. 104:24 How many are Your works, O YHWH! All of them You have made in wisdom; the earth is full of Your creatures.
Ps. 33:5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the loving devotion of YHWH.
Gen. 1:1–31; Ps. 33:6; Heb. 11:3; Col. 1:16; Acts 17:24; Ex. 20:11.
Gen. 1:1–31 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 And the earth was formless and void, and darkness [was] over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that [it was] good. And God divided between the light and between the darkness. 5 And God called the light “Day,” and the darkness He called “Night.” And there was evening and there was morning—day one. 6 And God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it be dividing between waters [and] waters.” 7 And God made the firmament, and He divided between the waters that [were] under the firmament, and between the waters that [were] above the firmament. And it was so. 8 And God called the firmament “Heavens.” And there was evening and there was morning—the second day. 9 And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land be seen.” And it was so. 10 And God called the dry land “Earth,” and the gathering of the waters He called “Seas.” And God saw that [it was] good. 11 And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation: The plant bearing seed [and] the fruit tree producing fruit according to its kind (whose seed [is] in it) on the earth.” And it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth vegetation: The plant bearing seed according to its kind, and the tree producing fruit (whose seed [is] in it) according to its kind. And God saw that [it was] good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning—the third day. 14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens, to divide between the day and between the night, and let them be for signs and for appointed times and for days and years, 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens, to shine upon the earth.” And it was so. 16 And God made the two great lights: The greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 17 And God set them in the firmament of the heavens, to shine upon the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide between the light and between the darkness. And God saw that [it was] good. 19 And there was evening and there was morning—the fourth day. 20 And God said, “Let the waters swarm [with] a swarm of living souls, and let the bird fly above the earth, on the face of the firmament of the heavens.” 21 And God created the great sea creatures and every living soul that is crawling, with which the waters swarmed according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that [it was] good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let the bird multiply in the earth.” 23 And there was evening and there was morning—the fifth day. 24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living soul according to its kind: Livestock and the crawling thing and beast of the earth according to its kind.” And it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, and the livestock according to its kind, and every crawling thing [on] the earth according to its kind. And God saw that [it was] good. 26 And God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the bird of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls upon the earth.” 27 And God created the man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it. And rule over the fish of the sea and over the bird of the heavens and over every living thing that is crawling upon the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given to you⁺ every plant bearing seed which [is] on the face of all the earth, and every tree that [has] in [it] the fruit of a tree bearing seed—it shall be for food to you⁺— 30 and to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the heavens, and to everything crawling upon the earth which [has] in it a living soul, every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, [it was] very good! And there was evening and there was morning—the sixth day.
Ps. 33:6 By the word of YHWH the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host.
Heb. 11:3 By faith we understand the ages to have been completed thoroughly by the word of God, in order for that being seen not to have come into being out of the things being visible.
Col. 1:16 because in Him were created all things in the heavens and on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or lordships or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.
Acts 17:24 The God having made the world and all things that [are] in it, He, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in hand-made temples,
Ex. 20:11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.
Gen. 1:27.
Gen. 1:27 And God created the man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Gen. 2:7; Eccl. 12:7; Luke 23:43; Matt. 10:28.
Gen. 2:7 And YHWH God formed the man [from] dust of the ground, and He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living soul.
Eccl. 12:7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Luke 23:43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Matt. 10:28 And do not be afraid of those killing the body but not being able to kill the soul. But fear, rather, the One being able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
Gen. 1:26; Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:24.
Gen. 1:26 And God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the bird of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls upon the earth.”
Col. 3:10 and having put on the new, the one being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the One having created him,
Eph. 4:24 and to have put on the new man, having been created according to God in righteousness and holiness of truth.
Rom. 2:14–15.
Rom. 2:14–15 14 For when Gentiles, not having the law, may do by nature the things of the law, these not having a law are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]
Gen. 2:17; Eccl. 7:29.
Gen. 2:17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”
Eccl. 7:29 See, this alone I have found: That God made man upright, and they have sought out many schemes.
Gen. 3:6, 17.
Gen. 3:6, 17 6 And the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes and the tree [was] desirable to make one wise. And she took from its fruit and ate, and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 17 And to the man He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and ate from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘you shall not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground on your account, in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life,
Gen. 2:17; Gen. 2:15–3:24.
Gen. 2:17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”
Gen. 2:15–3:24 15 And YHWH God took the man and He caused him to rest in the garden of Eden, to work it and to keep it. 24 And He drove out the man, and He caused to dwell at the east of the garden of Eden the cherubim and the flame of the sword that turns itself to guard the way to the tree of life.
Gen. 1:28. (See Gen. 1:29–30; Ps. 8:6–8.)
Gen. 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it. And rule over the fish of the sea and over the bird of the heavens and over every living thing that is crawling upon the earth.”
Gen. 1:29–30 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given to you⁺ every plant bearing seed which [is] on the face of all the earth, and every tree that [has] in [it] the fruit of a tree bearing seed—it shall be for food to you⁺— 30 and to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the heavens, and to everything crawling upon the earth which [has] in it a living soul, every green plant for food.” And it was so.
Ps. 8:6–8 6 You made him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet: 7 All sheep and cattle, and also the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, those passing [on] the paths of the seas.

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Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1717 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 4: Of Creation15 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 208 shared proof texts · shared topic Heidelberg Catechism · Question 65 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 925 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 154 shared proof texts · shared topic

Westminster Confession of Faith

Chapter 9: Of Free Will

1. God hath endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that it is neither forced, nor, by any absolute necessity of nature, determined to good, or evil.

2. Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom, and power to will and to do that which was good and well pleasing to God; but yet, mutably, so that he might fall from it.

3. Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation: so as, a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto.

4. When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, he freeth him from his natural bondage under sin; and, by his grace alone, enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good; yet so, as that by reason of his remaining corruption, he doth not perfectly, nor only, will that which is good, but doth also will that which is evil.

5. The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to good alone, in the state of glory only.

Scripture proofs

James 1:13–14; Deut. 30:19; Isa. 7:11–12; Matt. 17:12; John 5:40; James 4:7.
James 1:13–14 13 Let no one being tempted say, “I am being tempted from God.” For God is unable to be tempted by evils, and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire.
Deut. 30:19 I call as witnesses against you⁺ today the heavens and the earth [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, that you may live—you and your seed,
Isa. 7:11–12 11 “Ask for yourself a sign from YHWH your God; make the request deep, or make it high above.” 12 And Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not test YHWH.”
Matt. 17:12 But I say to you⁺ that Elijah did already come, and they did not know him, but they did to him whatever they wanted. Thus also the Son of Man is about to suffer under them.”
John 5:40 and you⁺ are not willing to come to Me so that you⁺ may have life.
James 4:7 Therefore subject yourselves to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you⁺.
Eccl. 7:29; Gen. 1:26, 31; Col. 3:10.
Eccl. 7:29 See, this alone I have found: That God made man upright, and they have sought out many schemes.
Gen. 1:26, 31 26 And God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the bird of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls upon the earth.” 31 And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, [it was] very good! And there was evening and there was morning—the sixth day.
Col. 3:10 and having put on the new, the one being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the One having created him,
Gen. 2:16–17; Gen. 3:6, 17.
Gen. 2:16–17 16 And YHWH God placed a command upon the man, saying, “From every tree of the garden you may surely eat. 17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”
Gen. 3:6, 17 6 And the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes and the tree [was] desirable to make one wise. And she took from its fruit and ate, and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 17 And to the man He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and ate from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘you shall not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground on your account, in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life,
Rom. 8:7–8; John 6:44, 65; John 15:5; Rom. 5:5.
Rom. 8:7–8 7 because the mind of the flesh [is] hostility toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for [it is] not even able. 8 And those being in the flesh are not able to please God.
John 6:44, 65 44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 65 And He was saying, “Because of this, I have said to you⁺ that no one is able to come to Me unless it shall have been given to him from the Father.”
John 15:5 I am the vine; you⁺ [are] the branches. The one remaining in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you⁺ are able to do nothing.
Rom. 5:5 And hope does not put [us] to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, the One having been given to us.
Rom. 3:9–10, 12, 23.
Rom. 3:9–10, 12, 23 9 What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin. 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 12 All turned away; together they became worthless; there is none who is doing kindness, there is not even one.” 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Eph. 2:1, 5; Col. 2:13.
Eph. 2:1, 5 1 And you⁺, being dead in your⁺ trespasses and sins— 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved—
Col. 2:13 And you⁺ being dead in the trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your⁺ flesh, He made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all the trespasses,
John 6:44, 65; John 3:3, 5–6; 1 Cor. 2:14; Titus 3:3–5.
John 6:44, 65 44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 65 And He was saying, “Because of this, I have said to you⁺ that no one is able to come to Me unless it shall have been given to him from the Father.”
John 3:3, 5–6 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born from above, he is not able to see the kingdom of God.” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born of water and of the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That having been born of the flesh is flesh, and that having been born of the Spirit is spirit.
1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
Titus 3:3–5 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, being deceived, being in slavery to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,
Col. 1:13; John 8:34, 36; Rom. 6:6–7.
Col. 1:13 who delivered us from the authority of darkness and transferred [us] into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
John 8:34, 36 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that everyone who [is] doing sin is a slave of sin. 36 Therefore if the Son shall set you⁺ free, you⁺ will be really free.
Rom. 6:6–7 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], so that the body of sin might be nullified, [for] us no longer to be slaves to sin. 7 For the one having died has been justified from sin.
Phil. 2:13; Rom. 6:14, 17–19, 22.
Phil. 2:13 For God is the One working in you⁺ both to will and to work on behalf of [His] good pleasure.
Rom. 6:14, 17–19, 22 14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace. 17 But thanks [be] to God that you⁺ used to be slaves of sin, but you⁺ obeyed from the heart the form of teaching to which you⁺ were delivered up. 18 Now having been set free from sin, you⁺ became slaves to righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your⁺ flesh. For just as you⁺ presented your⁺ members [as] slaves to uncleanness and to lawlessness unto lawlessness, so now present your⁺ members [as] slaves to righteousness unto sanctification. 22 But now, having been set free from sin and having become slaves to God, you⁺ have your⁺ fruit unto sanctification, and the end [is] eternal life.
Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:14–25; 1 John 1:8, 10.
Gal. 5:17 For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the [things] you⁺ may want, these things you⁺ may not do.
Rom. 7:14–25 14 For we have known that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, having been sold as a slave under sin. 15 For what I carry out, I do not understand. For what I want, this I do not practice; but what I hate, this I do. 16 Now if what I do not want, this I do, I assent to the law, that [it is] good. 17 But now I no longer carry it out, but the sin dwelling in me. 18 For I know that there does not dwell in me—that is, in my flesh—good. For to want is present with me, but not to carry out the good. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do; but the evil that I do not want, this I practice. 20 Now if what I do not want, this I do, no longer do I carry it out, but sin dwelling in me. 21 I find, then, the law in my wanting to do good, that evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man, 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members. 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death? 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.
1 John 1:8, 10 8 If we should say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 10 If we should say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
Heb. 12:23; 1 John 3:2; Jude 24; Rev. 21:27.
Heb. 12:23 and [to] the assembly, to the church of the firstborn having been enrolled in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous having been perfected,
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be was not yet made manifest. We know that if He should be made manifest, we will be like Him, for we will see Him just as He is.
Rev. 21:27 And anything defiling, and those practicing abomination and a lie, never shall enter into it, only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.
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London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 9: Of Free Will20 shared proof texts · 7 shared topics Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 9: Of Free Will, and So of Man's Power and Ability19 shared proof texts · 7 shared topics London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof13 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics Heidelberg Catechism · Question 312 shared proof texts · shared topic Heidelberg Catechism · Question 511 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling8 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Westminster Confession of Faith

Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints

1. 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.

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, the abiding of the Spirit, and of the seed of God within them, and the nature of the covenant of grace: from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof.

3. Nevertheless, they may, through the temptations of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of the means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins; and, for a time, continue therein: whereby they incur God's displeasure, and grieve his Holy Spirit, come to be deprived of some measure of their graces and comforts, have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded; hurt and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgments upon themselves.

Scripture proofs

Phil. 1:6; 2 Peter 1:10; Rom. 8:28–30; John 10:28–29; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 5:18; 1 Peter 1:5, 9.
Phil. 1:6 being persuaded of this very thing, that the One having begun a good work in you⁺ will complete [it] until the day of Christ Jesus.
2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent, rather, to make your⁺ calling and election sure. For [in] doing these things, never at any time shall you⁺ stumble.
Rom. 8:28–30 28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose, 29 because whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers. 30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.
John 10:28–29 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, 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 hand of the Father.
1 John 3:9 Everyone having been born of God does not do sin, because His seed remains in him, and he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God.
1 John 5:18 We know that everyone having been born of God does not sin, but the One having been begotten of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.
1 Peter 1:5, 9 5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 9 receiving the outcome of your⁺ faith, the salvation of [your] souls.
Ps. 89:3–4, 28–33; 2 Tim. 2:18–19; Jer. 31:3.
Ps. 89:3–4, 28–33 3 “I have cut a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant: 4 ‘Even to forever I will establish Your seed, and build up for generation and generation your throne.’” Selah 28 Forever I will keep for him My loving devotion, and My covenant will stand fast for him. 29 And I will establish His seed forever, and his throne like the days of the heavens. 30 If his sons should abandon My instruction, and do not walk in My ordinances, 31 if they violate My statutes, and do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will attend [to] their transgression with the rod, and [to] their iniquity with stripes. 33 And I will not break off My loving devotion from him, and I will not be false in My faithfulness.
2 Tim. 2:18–19 18 who missed the mark concerning the truth, saying the resurrection already to have happened; and they are overturning the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”
Jer. 31:3 YHWH has appeared to me from afar: “I have loved you [with] an everlasting love; upon thus I have drawn you with loving devotion.
Heb. 10:10, 14; Heb. 13:20–21; Heb. 9:12–15; Rom. 8:33–39; John 17:11, 24; Luke 22:32; Heb. 7:25.
Heb. 10:10, 14 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.
Heb. 13:20–21 20 Now [may] the God of peace, the One having brought up out from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you⁺ in everything good in order to do His will, doing in us that which [is] well pleasing before Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom [be] the glory to the ages of the ages. Amen.
Heb. 9:12–15 12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through [His] own blood, He entered once for all into the holy [places], having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and of bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the ones having been defiled sanctify [them] for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God! 15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
Rom. 8:33–39 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it has been written: “For Your sake we face death all the day; we were reckoned as sheep of slaughter.” 37 But in all these things we are more than conquerors through the One having loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things about to be, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God that [is] in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 17:11, 24 11 And I am no longer in the world, and they are themselves in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, which You have given to Me, so that they may be one as We [are]. 24 Father, [those] whom You have given to Me, I want that they also may be with Me where I am, so that they may behold My glory that You have given to Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
Luke 22:32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Heb. 7:25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.
John 14:16–17; 1 John 2:27; 1 John 3:9.
John 14:16–17 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you⁺ another Advocate so that He may be with you⁺ to the age— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world is not able to receive, because it does not see Him, nor does it know [Him]. But you⁺ know Him, for He abides with you⁺ and will be in you⁺.
1 John 2:27 And you⁺, the anointing that you⁺ received from Him remains in you⁺, and you⁺ have no need that anyone should teach you⁺. But as the same anointing teaches you⁺ concerning all things and is true and is not a lie, and just as it taught you⁺, remain in Him.
1 John 3:9 Everyone having been born of God does not do sin, because His seed remains in him, and he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God.
Jer. 32:40; Ps. 89:34–37. (See Jer. 31:31–34.)
Jer. 32:40 And I will make with them a covenant forever, that I will not turn away from them My doing good, and My fear I will put in their hearts, and that they will not turn aside from Me.
Ps. 89:34–37 34 I will not violate My covenant, and a declaration of My lips I will not change. 35 Once I have sworn by My holiness—I will not lie to David— 36 His seed shall be forever, and his throne like the sun before Me. 37 Like the moon It will be established forever, even [as] the faithful witness in the sky.” Selah
Jer. 31:31–34 31 Behold, the days are coming, a declaration of YHWH, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, in that they broke My covenant, and I was a husband to them, a declaration of YHWH. 33 “For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, a declaration of YHWH: I will give My law in their inward parts, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. 34 And they will teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know YHWH; for all of them will know Me, from the least of them and to the greatest of them, a declaration of YHWH. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
John 6:38–40; John 10:28; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 John 2:19.
John 6:38–40 38 For I have come down from heaven, not so that I may do My will, but the will of the One having sent Me. 39 Now this is the will of the One having sent Me, that all that He has given Me, I should lose none of it, but I will raise it up in the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone beholding the Son and believing in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day.”
John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.
2 Thess. 3:3 But faithful is the Lord, who will strengthen you⁺ and guard [you] from the evil one.
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [it is] so that it might be made manifest that they are not all of us.
Ex. 32:21; Jonah 1:3, 10; Ps. 51:14; Matt. 26:70, 72, 74.
Ex. 32:21 And Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you, that you have brought upon them a great sin?”
Jonah 1:3, 10 3 And Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish, away from the face of YHWH. And he went down [to] Joppa, and found a ship going [to] Tarshish, and he paid its fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish, away from the face of YHWH. 10 And the men feared with great fear, and they said to him: “What [is] this you have done?” For the men knew that he was fleeing away from the face of YHWH, because he had told them.
Ps. 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation; my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.
Matt. 26:70, 72, 74 70 And he denied [it] before all, saying, “I do not know what you say.” 72 And again he denied [it] with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 74 Then he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.
2 Sam. 12:9, 13; Gal. 2:11–14.
2 Sam. 12:9, 13 9 Why have you despised the commandment of YHWH to do evil in His sight? You have struck Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and his wife you have taken [to be] your wife, and him have killed with the sword of the sons of Ammon. 13 And David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against YHWH.” And Nathan said to David, “Even YHWH has put away your sin; you shall not die.
Gal. 2:11–14 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed [him] to his face because he was standing condemned. 12 For before certain ones came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles. But when they came, he was drawing back and was separating himself, fearing those of the circumcision. 13 And also the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they are not walking in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before all, “If you, being a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how do you compel the Gentiles to Judaize?”
Num. 20:12; 2 Sam. 11:27; Isa. 64:7, 9.
Num. 20:12 And YHWH said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you⁺ did not believe Me, to show My holiness in the eyes of the sons of Israel, therefore you⁺ shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”
2 Sam. 11:27 And her mourning was over, and David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore to him a son. And the thing that David had done was evil in the eyes of YHWH.
Isa. 64:7, 9 7 And no one is calling on Your name, stirring himself up to take hold of You; for You have hidden Your face from us, and delivered us into the hand of our iniquities. 9 Do not be angry, O YHWH, beyond measure, and do not remember [our] iniquity forever! Behold, please, look; we [are] all Your people!
Eph. 4:30.
Eph. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you⁺ were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ps. 51:8, 10, 12; Rev. 2:4; Matt. 26:75.
Ps. 51:8, 10, 12 8 Make me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. 10 Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me [by a] willing spirit.
Rev. 2:4 But I have against you that you abandoned your first love.
Matt. 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, [He] having said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And having gone out, he wept bitterly.
Isa. 63:17.
Isa. 63:17 Why do You let us stray O YHWH, from Your ways, [and] harden our hearts from fearing You? Return Your servants for the sake of the tribes of Your inheritance.
Ps. 32:3–4; Ps. 51:8.
Ps. 32:3–4 3 When I remained silent, my bones were worn out by my groaning all the day. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my juice was overturned, [as] in the drought of summer. Selah
Ps. 51:8 Make me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice.
Gen. 12:10–20; 2 Sam. 12:14; Gal. 2:13.
Gen. 12:10–20 10 And there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine [was] severe in the land. 11 And it came to pass when he was close to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “Behold now, I know that you [are] a woman beautiful in appearance. 12 And it will come to pass when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This [is] his wife.’ And they will kill me, and you they will let live. 13 Say, please, you [are] my sister, so that it may go well with me for your sake, and my soul may live because of you.” 14 And it came to pass, when Abram entered Egypt, that the Egyptians saw the woman, that she [was] very beautiful. 15 And the princes of Pharaoh saw her, and they commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into the house of Pharaoh. 16 And Abram he treated well for her sake, and he had for himself sheep, and cattle, and male donkeys, and menservants, and maidservants, and female donkeys, and camels. 17 And YHWH plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of the matter [of] Sarai, wife of Abram. 18 And Pharaoh called to Abram and said, “What [is] this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she [was] your wife? 19 Why did you say, ‘She [is] my sister,’ so that I took her to myself as a wife? And now, behold, your wife; take [her] and go!” 20 And Pharaoh commanded [his] men concerning him, and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.
2 Sam. 12:14 Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for [the word] of YHWH by this deed, also the son born to you will surely die.”
Gal. 2:13 And also the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.
Ps. 89:31–32; 1 Cor. 11:32.
Ps. 89:31–32 31 if they violate My statutes, and do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will attend [to] their transgression with the rod, and [to] their iniquity with stripes.
1 Cor. 11:32 But being judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we should not be condemned with the world.

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Westminster Confession of Faith

Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience

1. The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers under the gospel consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the curse of the moral law; and, in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin; from the evil of afflictions, the sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation; as also, in their free access to God, and their yielding obedience unto him, not out of slavish fear, but a childlike love and willing mind. All which were common also to believers under the law. But, under the new testament, the liberty of Christians is further enlarged, in their freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, to which the Jewish church was subjected; and in greater boldness of access to the throne of grace, and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God, than believers under the law did ordinarily partake of.

2. God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are, in anything, contrary to his Word; or beside it, if matters of faith, or worship. So that, to believe such doctrines, or to obey such commands, out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience: and the requiring of an implicit faith, and an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience, and reason also.

3. They who, upon pretense of Christian liberty, do practice any sin, or cherish any lust, do thereby destroy the end of Christian liberty, which is, that being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, we might serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

4. And because the powers which God hath ordained, and the liberty which Christ hath purchased, are not intended by God to destroy, but mutually to uphold and preserve one another, they who, upon pretense of Christian liberty, shall oppose any lawful power, or the lawful exercise of it, whether it be civil or ecclesiastical, resist the ordinance of God. And, for their publishing of such opinions, or maintaining of such practices, as are contrary to the light of nature, or to the known principles of Christianity (whether concerning faith, worship, or conversation), or to the power of godliness; or, such erroneous opinions or practices, as either in their own nature, or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them, are destructive to the external peace and order which Christ hath established in the church, they may lawfully be called to account, and proceeded against, by the censures of the church.

Scripture proofs

Titus 2:14; 1 Thess. 1:10; Gal. 3:13.
Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and might purify to Himself a people specially His, zealous for good works.
1 Thess. 1:10 and to await His Son from the heavens, whom He raised out from the dead—Jesus, the One delivering us from the coming wrath.
Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”
Gal. 1:4; Col. 1:13; Acts 26:18; Rom. 6:14.
Gal. 1:4 the One having given Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us out of the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
Col. 1:13 who delivered us from the authority of darkness and transferred [us] into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, [that] they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those having been sanctified by faith in Me.’
Rom. 6:14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.
Rom. 8:28; Ps. 119:71; 2 Cor. 4:15–18; 1 Cor. 15:54–57; Rom. 5:9; Rom. 8:1. (See 1 Thess. 1:10.)
Rom. 8:28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose,
Ps. 119:71 [It is] good for me that I was afflicted, so that I might learn Your statutes.
2 Cor. 4:15–18 15 For all things [are] on account of you⁺, so that the grace having increased on account of more [people] may make abundant the thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not grow fainthearted; but if also our outer man decays, yet our inner one is renewed day and day. 17 For the momentary lightness of our affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory, from supereminence to supereminence, 18 in [our] not looking at the things being seen, but the things not being seen. For the things being seen [are] temporary, but the things not being seen [are] eternal.
1 Cor. 15:54–57 54 Now when this corruptible shall have put on incorruptibility, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then the word having been written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, [is] your victory? Where, O death, [is] your sting?” 56 Now the sting of death [is] sin, and the power of sin [is] the law. 57 But thanks [be] to God, the One giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom. 5:9 Therefore much more, having been justified now by His blood, we will be saved by Him from wrath!
Rom. 8:1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus.
1 Thess. 1:10 and to await His Son from the heavens, whom He raised out from the dead—Jesus, the One delivering us from the coming wrath.
Rom. 5:1–2.
Rom. 5:1–2 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God.
Rom. 8:14–15; Gal. 4:6; 1 John 4:18.
Rom. 8:14–15 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Gal. 4:6 And because you⁺ are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment; and the one fearing has not been perfected in love.
Gal. 3:8–9, 14; Rom. 4:6–8; 1 Cor. 10:3–4; Heb. 11:1–40.
Gal. 3:8–9, 14 8 Now the Scripture, having foreseen that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel beforehand to Abraham: “All the nations will be blessed in you.” 9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham. 14 so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Rom. 4:6–8 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”
1 Cor. 10:3–4 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink; for they were drinking from the spiritual rock accompanying [them], and the rock was Christ.
Heb. 11:1–40 1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not being seen. 2 For in this the ancients were well-attested. 3 By faith we understand the ages to have been completed thoroughly by the word of God, in order for that being seen not to have come into being out of the things being visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he was testified to be righteous, God testifying about his gifts; and through it, having died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was translated not to see death, “and he was not found, because God translated him.” For before the translation, he had been testified to have pleased God. 6 And without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for it is necessary for the one coming to God to believe that He is and [that] He becomes a rewarder to those seeking Him out. 7 By faith Noah, having been divinely warned concerning the things not yet being seen, having been moved with fear, prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, through which he condemned the world and became heir of the righeousness according to faith. 8 By faith Abraham, being called to go out into a place that he was about to receive for an inheritance, obeyed and went out, not knowing where he is going. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of the promise as [in] a foreign [country], having dwelt in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the co-heirs of the same promise. 10 For he was awaiting the city having foundations, of which the architect and builder [is] God. 11 By faith also Sarah, herself barren, received power for the conception of seed even beyond the opportune age, since she esteemed faithful the One having promised. 12 Therefore also were born from one [man], and these of one having become as dead, as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as the sand by the shore of the sea, countless. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having welcomed [them], and having confessed that they are strangers and sojourners on the earth. 14 For those saying such things make manifest that they are seeking out a homeland. 15 And indeed if they had been remembering that from which they came out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they stretch forward to a better one, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, being tested. has offered up Isaac. Even the one having received the promises was offering up [his] only begotten, 18 as to whom it was said, “In Isaac a seed will be called to you,” 19 having reasoned that God [was] able even to raise [him] out from the dead, from where he received him back also in a simile. 20 By faith also Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the [things] about to be. 21 By faith Jacob, dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, finishing [life], made mention concerning the exodus of the sons of Israel and gave commands concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, having been born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw the child [was] beautiful, and they did not fear the edict of the king. 24 By faith Moses, having become grown, refused to be called the son of the daughter of Pharaoh, 25 having chosen to suffer mistreatment with the people of God rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin, 26 having esteemed the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not having feared the anger of the king; for as seeing the Invisible One, he persevered. 28 By faith he has kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the one destroying the firstborn should not touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as through dry land, which the Egyptians, having made an attempt, were swallowed up. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, having been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those having disobeyed, having welcomed the spies with peace. 32 And what more shall I say? For the time will fail me recounting fully about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, also David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, worked justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the mouths of the sword, were made powerful out of weakness, became strong in war, [and] put to flight foreign armies. 35 Women received their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not having accepted release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 And others received the trial of mockings and of scourgings, and even of chains and of imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by slaughter of the sword; they wandered in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, being oppressed, being mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes of the earth. 39 And these all, having been testified to through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having planned something better for us, so that not apart from us, they should be perfected.
Gal. 4:1–7; Gal. 5:1; Acts 15:10–11.
Gal. 4:1–7 1 Now I say, for as long a time as the heir is a child, he differs nothing from a slave, [though] being lord of all. 2 But he is under guardians and managers until the appointed time of the father. 3 So also we, when we were children, were enslaved under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law, 5 that He might redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 And because you⁺ are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave but a son; and if a son, also an heir through God.
Gal. 5:1 In freedom Christ set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not be entangled again in a yoke of slavery.
Acts 15:10–11 10 Now, therefore, why are you⁺ testing God, putting upon the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe to be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner [as] they also.”
Heb. 4:14–16; Heb. 10:19–22.
Heb. 4:14–16 14 Therefore, having a great high priest having passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to [our] confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin. 16 Therefore let us come with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.
Heb. 10:19–22 19 Therefore, brothers, having confidence for entrance to the holy places in the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way, which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and [having] a great priest over the house of God, 22 we should come near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, the hearts having been sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and the body having been washed with pure water.
John 7:38–39; Acts 2:17–18; 2 Cor. 3:8, 13, 17–18. (See Jer. 31:31–34.)
John 7:38–39 38 The one believing in Me, as the Scripture said: ‘Out of his belly will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now He said this about the Spirit, whom those having believed in Him were about to receive; for the Spirit was not yet, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Acts 2:17–18 17 ‘And it will come to pass in the last days, God says, [that] I will pour out from My Spirit upon all flesh, and your⁺ sons and your⁺ daughters will prophesy, and your⁺ young men will see visions, and your⁺ old men will dream dreams. 18 And even on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out from My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
2 Cor. 3:8, 13, 17–18 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more in glory? 13 and not as Moses would put a veil over his face for the sons of Israel not to look intently into the end of what [was] fading away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], freedom [is]. 18 And we all, having been unveiled in face, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.
Jer. 31:31–34 31 Behold, the days are coming, a declaration of YHWH, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, in that they broke My covenant, and I was a husband to them, a declaration of YHWH. 33 “For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, a declaration of YHWH: I will give My law in their inward parts, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. 34 And they will teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know YHWH; for all of them will know Me, from the least of them and to the greatest of them, a declaration of YHWH. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
James 4:12; Rom. 14:4, 10; 1 Cor. 10:29.
James 4:12 One is the Lawgiver and Judge, the One being able to save and to destroy. But who are you, the one judging the neighbor?
Rom. 14:4, 10 4 Who are you, judging another’s servant? To [his] own master he stands or falls. And he will be made to stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why also do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
1 Cor. 10:29 and I do not say your own conscience, but that of the other; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?
Acts 4:19; Acts 5:29; 1 Cor. 7:22–23; Matt. 15:1–6; Matt. 23:8–10; 2 Cor. 1:24; Matt. 15:9.
Acts 4:19 But Peter and John, answering, said to them, “Whether it is right before God to listen to you⁺ rather than God, you⁺ must judge.
Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles, answering, said, “It is necessary to obey God rather than men.
1 Cor. 7:22–23 22 For the one having been called in the Lord [while] a slave is the Lord’s freedman; likewise the one having been called [while] free is a slave of Christ. 23 You⁺ were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
Matt. 15:1–6 1 Then Pharisees and scribes come to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they shall eat bread.” 3 And answering, He said to them, “Why also do you⁺ transgress the commandment of God because of your⁺ tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor [your] father and mother’ and ‘The one speaking evil of father or mother, in death let him end.’ 5 But you⁺ say, ‘Whoever might say to father or mother: Whatever you might be profited by me [is] a gift,’ 6 he shall not honor his father or his mother. And you⁺ made void the word of God because of your⁺ tradition.
Matt. 23:8–10 8 But you⁺ shall not be called ‘Rabbi,’ for your⁺ Teacher is One, and you⁺ are all brothers. 9 And you⁺ shall call no one your⁺ father on the earth, for One is your⁺ Father who [is] in heaven. 10 Neither shall you⁺ be called instructors, because One is your⁺ Instructor, the Christ.
2 Cor. 1:24 Not that we lord it over your⁺ faith, but we are fellow workers with you⁺ of joy; for in the faith you⁺ stand firm.
Matt. 15:9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”
Col. 2:20–23; Gal. 1:10; Gal. 2:4–5; Gal. 4:9–10; Gal. 5:1.
Col. 2:20–23 20 If you⁺ died with Christ, away from the elements of the world, why, as if living in the world, are you⁺ subject to decrees: 21 “You should not handle! You should not taste! You should not touch!”— 22 which are all unto decay with the use, according to the precepts and teachings of men, 23 which, having indeed a word of wisdom in self-willed worship and humility and harsh treatment of the body, are not in any value toward the indulgence of the flesh.
Gal. 1:10 For presently do I appease men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Gal. 2:4–5 4 even because of the false brothers introduced stealthily, who came in stealthily to spy on our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they will enslave us, 5 to whom we did not yield in submission for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you⁺.
Gal. 4:9–10 9 But now, having known God, but rather having been known by God, how do you⁺ turn again to the weak and poor elements, to which you⁺ want to be in slavery again anew? 10 You⁺ observe days and months and seasons and years!
Gal. 5:1 In freedom Christ set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not be entangled again in a yoke of slavery.
Rom. 10:17; Isa. 8:20; Acts 17:11; John 4:22; Rev. 13:12, 16–17; Jer. 8:9; 1 Peter 3:15.
Rom. 10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.
Isa. 8:20 to the law and to the testimony?" If they do not speak this according to the word, [it is] because there is not in them dawn.
Acts 17:11 Now these, who were more noble than those in Thessalonica, received the word with all readiness, every day examining the Scriptures, if these things were so.
John 4:22 You⁺ worship what you⁺ do not know; we worship what we know, because salvation is of the Jews.
Rev. 13:12, 16–17 12 And it exercises all the authority of the first beast in the presence of it, and it causes the earth and those dwelling in it that they will worship the first beast, of whom its fatal wound was healed. 16 And it causes all the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the servants, that it should give them a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, 17 and that no one may be able to buy or to sell, except the one having the mark—the name of the beast or the number of its name.
Jer. 8:9 The wise ones have been put to shame, they are dismayed and captured; behold, they have rejected the word of YHWH—what wisdom [is] unto them?
1 Peter 3:15 But in your⁺ hearts sanctify Christ [as] Lord, always ready for a defense to everyone who [is] asking you⁺ an account concerning the hope in you⁺, but with meekness and fear,
Gal. 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16; 2 Peter 2:19; Rom. 6:15; John 8:34; Luke 1:74–75.
Gal. 5:13 For you⁺ were called to freedom, brothers, only not the freedom for an opportunity to the flesh. But serve one another through love.
1 Peter 2:16 as free, and not having the freedom as a cover-up for evil, but as servants of God.
2 Peter 2:19 promising to them freedom, themselves being slaves of corruption. For by what anyone has been subdued, by that also he is enslaved.
Rom. 6:15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? Never may it be!
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that everyone who [is] doing sin is a slave of sin.
Luke 1:74–75 74 having been saved from the hand of [our] enemies, to serve Him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
1 Peter 2:13–14, 16; Rom. 13:1–8; Heb. 13:17; 1 Thess. 5:12–13.
1 Peter 2:13–14, 16 13 Be in subjection to every human creation because of the Lord, whether to the king as being supreme, 14 or to governors as being sent by him for punishment to evildoers and praise to doers of good, 16 as free, and not having the freedom as a cover-up for evil, but as servants of God.
Rom. 13:1–8 1 Let every soul be subject to the authorities being above [him]. For there is no authority except by God; but those existing are appointed by God. 2 Therefore the one setting [himself] against the authority has resisted the ordinance of God, and those having resisted will receive judgment to themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Now do you want not to fear the authority? Do that which [is] good, and you will have praise from him. 4 For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing evil. 5 Therefore [it is] necessary to be subject, not only because of wrath, but also because of the conscience. 6 For because of this, you⁺ also pay taxes; for they are ministers of God, attending continually to this very thing. 7 Pay to all their dues: tax to whom tax, revenue to whom revenue, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. 8 Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one loving the other has fulfilled the law.
Heb. 13:17 Obey you⁺ those leading and be subject, for they watch over your⁺ souls as [those who] will give an account, so that they may do this with joy and not groaning, for this [is] unprofitable for you⁺.
1 Thess. 5:12–13 12 But we ask you⁺, brothers, to know those toiling among you⁺ and presiding over you⁺ in the Lord and admonishing you⁺, 13 and to esteem them exceedingly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
Rom. 1:32; 1 Cor. 5:1, 5, 11–13; 2 John 10–11; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14; 1 Tim. 6:3–4; Titus 1:10–11, 13–14; Titus 3:10; Rom. 16:17; Matt. 18:15–17; 1 Tim. 1:19–20; Rev. 2:2, 14–15, 20.
Rom. 1:32 who, having known the righteous decree of God that those practicing such things are worthy of death, not only are doing them, but also agree with those practicing [them].
1 Cor. 5:1, 5, 11–13 1 Sexual immorality is actually heard [of] among you⁺, and sexual immorality such as [is] not even among the nations, so as for one to have the wife of the father. 5 to deliver up such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 11 But now I wrote to you⁺ not to associate with anyone being named a brother if he may be sexually immoral or a coveter, or an idolater or a reviler, or a drunkard or a swindler—with such a one not even to eat. 12 For what [is it] to me to judge those outside? Do you⁺ not judge those inside? 13 But God judges those outside. “Expel the wicked one from among yourselves.”
2 Thess. 3:6, 14 6 Now we command you⁺, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw yourselves from every brother walking in an unruly manner and not according to the tradition that you received from us. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word through the letter, take note of this one not to mix with him, so that he may be ashamed.
1 Tim. 6:3–4 3 If anyone teaches another doctrine and does not draw near, being sound in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching according to godliness, 4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but diseased about controversies and fights about words, out of which come envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions,
Titus 1:10–11, 13–14 10 For there are also many insubordinate ones, empty talkers, and mind-deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whom it is necessary to silence, who overturn whole households, teaching things [that] it is necessary not [to teach], for the sake of shameful gain. 13 This testimony is true, through which cause you are to rebuke them severely, so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish myths and commandments of men turning away from the truth.
Titus 3:10 Reject a divisive man after one and a second admonition,
Rom. 16:17 Now I exhort you⁺, brothers, to watch out for those causing divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you⁺ learned, and turn away from them.
Matt. 18:15–17 15 And if your brother may sin against you, go reprove him between you and him alone. If he may hear you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he may not hear, take with you one or two more, so that ‘every word may be stood upon the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 And if he may fail to hear them, say [it] to the church. And if he may fail to hear even the church, let him be unto you as the Gentile and the tax collector.
1 Tim. 1:19–20 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having thrust away, made a shipwreck concerning the faith, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan so that they should be disciplined not to blaspheme.
Rev. 2:2, 14–15, 20 2 I know your works and your labor and perseverance, and that you are not able to bear evil ones. And you tested those claiming themselves to be apostles and are not, and you found them false. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have [some] there holding the teaching of Balaam, who would teach Balak to cast a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. 15 So you also have [some] holding the teaching of the Nicolaitans likewise. 20 But I have against you that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, the one calling herself a prophetess and teaching and leading astray My servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
2 John 10 on BibleHub ↗
2 John 11 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)

London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 21: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience30 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 9710 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 12710 shared proof texts London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church9 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Heidelberg Catechism · Question 218 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Heidelberg Catechism · Question 858 shared proof texts · shared topic

Scots Confession

Chapter II: Of the Creation of Man

We confess and acknowledge this our God to have created man (to wit, our first father Adam) to His own image and similitude (Gen. 1–2). To whom He gave wisdom, lordship, justice, free will, and clear knowledge of Himself. So that in the whole nature of man, there could be noted no imperfection. From which honor and perfection, man and woman did both fall (Gen. 3), the woman being deceived by the Serpent, and man obeying the voice of the woman: both conspiring against the sovereign majesty of God, who in express words had before threatened death, if they presumed to eat of the forbidden tree.

Scripture proofs

Gen. 1–2
Genesis 1 on BibleHub ↗
Genesis 2 on BibleHub ↗
Gen. 3
Genesis 3 on BibleHub ↗

Second Helvetic Confession

Chapter 9: Of Free Will, and So of Man's Power and Ability

We teach in this matter, which at all times has been the cause of many conflicts in the church, that there is a triple condition or estate of man to be considered. First, what man was before his fall; to wit, upright and free, who might both continue in goodness and decline to evil; but he declined to evil and has wrapped both himself and all mankind in sin and death, as has been shown before. Secondly, we are to consider what man was after his fall. His understanding indeed was not taken from him, neither was he deprived of will and altogether changed into a stone or stock. Nevertheless, these things are so altered in man that they are not able to do that now which they could do before his fall. For his understanding is darkened, and his will, which before was free, is now become a servile will; for it serves sin, not nilling, but willing; for it is called a will, and not a nill.

Therefore, as touching evil or sin, man does evil, not compelled either by God or the devil, but of his own accord; and in this respect he has a most free will: but whereas we see that oftentimes the most evil deeds and counsels of man are hindered by God, that they cannot attain to their end, this does not take from man liberty in evil, but God by His power prevents that which man otherwise purposed freely: as Joseph's brethren did freely purpose to slay Joseph; but they were not able to do it because it seemed otherwise good to God in His secret counsel.

But as touching goodness and virtues, man's understanding does not of itself judge aright of heavenly things. For the evangelical and apostolic Scripture requires regeneration of every one of us that will be saved. Wherefore our first birth by Adam profits nothing to salvation. Paul says, "The natural man perceiveth not the things which are of the Spirit" (1 Cor. 2:14). The same Paul elsewhere denies that we are "fit of ourselves, to think any good" (2 Cor. 3:5). Now it is evident that the mind or understanding is the guide of the will; and seeing the guide is blind, it is easy to be seen how far the will can reach. Therefore, man, not as yet regenerate, has no free will to good, no strength to perform that which is good. The Lord says in the gospel, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that every one that commits sin, is the servant of sin" (John 8:34). And Paul the apostle says, "The wisdom of the flesh is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Rom. 8:7). Furthermore, there is some understanding of earthly things remaining in man after his fall.

For God has of mercy left him wit, though much differing from that which was in him before his fall; God commands us to cultivate our wit, and therewithal He gives gifts and also the increase thereof. And it is a clear case that we can profit very little in all arts without the blessing of God. The Scripture, doubtless, refers all arts to God: yes and the Ethnicks also did ascribe the beginnings of arts to the gods, as to the authors thereof.

Lastly, we are to consider whether the regenerate have free will and how far forth they have it. In regeneration, the understanding is illuminated by the Holy Ghost that it may understand both the mysteries and will of God. And the will itself is not only changed by the Spirit, but is also endued with faculties, that, of its own accord, it may both will and do good (Rom. 8:4–6). Unless we grant this, we shall deny Christian liberty and bring in the bondage of the Law. Besides, the prophet brings in God speaking thus: "I will put My laws in their minds, and write them in their hearts" (Jer. 31:33; Ezek. 36:27). The Lord also says in the gospel, "If the Son make you free, then are you free indeed" (John 8:36). Paul also to the Philippians: "Unto you it is given, for Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (1:29). And again, "I am persuaded that He that began this good work in you will perform it until the day of the Lord Jesus" (v. 6). Also, "It is God that worketh in you the will and the deed" (Phil. 2:13).

Where, nevertheless, we teach that there are two things to be observed: first, that the regenerate, in the choice and working of that which is good, do not only work passively, but actively. For they are moved of God, that themselves may do that which they do. And Augustine truly alleges that saying that "God is said to be our helper: but no man can be helped, but he that does somewhat." The Manichees robbed man of all action and made him like a stone and a block.

Secondly, that in the regenerate there remains infirmity. For seeing that sin dwells in us and that the flesh in the regenerate strives against the spirit, even to the end of our lives, they do not readily perform in every point that which they had purposed. These things are confirmed by the apostle (Rom. 7:13–25; Gal. 5:17). Therefore, our free will is weak by reason of the relics of the old Adam remaining in us so long as we live, and of the human corruption which so nearly cleaves to us. In the meantime, because the strength of the flesh and relics of the old man are not of such great force that they can wholly quench the work of the Spirit, therefore, the faithful are called free; yet so that they acknowledge their infirmity and glory not at all in their free will. For that which St. Augustine repeats so often out of the apostle ought always to be kept in mind by the faithful: "What hast thou, that thou hast not received? and if thou hast received it, why dost thou boast, as though thou hadst not received it?" (1 Cor. 4:7). Hitherto may be added that that comes not straightway to pass which we have purposed: for the events of things are in the hand of God. For which cause, Paul besought the Lord that He would prosper his journey (Rom. 1:10). Wherefore, in this respect also, free will is very weak.

But in outward things, no man denies but that both the regenerate and unregenerate have their free will. For man has this constitution common with other creatures (to whom he is not inferior) to will some things and to nill other things. So he may speak or keep silence; go out of his house or abide within. Although herein also God's power is evermore to be marked which brought to pass that Balaam could not go as far as he would (Num. 24:13) and that Zacharias, coming out of the Temple, could not speak as he would have done (Luke 1:22).

In this matter we condemn the Manichees, who deny that the beginning of evil unto man, being good, came from his free will. We condemn also the Pelagians who affirm that an evil man has free will sufficiently to perform a good precept. Both these are confuted by the Scripture, which says to the former, "God made man upright" (Eccl. 7:29) and to the latter, "If the Son make you free, then are you free indeed" (John 8:36).

Scripture proofs

1 Cor. 2:14
1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
2 Cor. 3:5
2 Cor. 3:5 Not that we are sufficient from ourselves to reckon anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency [is] of God,
John 8:34
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that everyone who [is] doing sin is a slave of sin.
Rom. 8:7
Rom. 8:7 because the mind of the flesh [is] hostility toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for [it is] not even able.
Rom. 8:4–6
Rom. 8:4–6 4 so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those being according to the flesh mind the [things] of the flesh, but those according to the Spirit the [things] of the Spirit. 6 For the mind of the flesh [is] death, but the mind of the Spirit [is] life and peace,
Jer. 31:33; Ezek. 36:27
Jer. 31:33 “For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, a declaration of YHWH: I will give My law in their inward parts, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.
Ezek. 36:27 And My Spirit I will put within you⁺, and I will make [it] that you⁺ will walk in My statutes and My ordinances you⁺ will keep and you⁺ will do [them].
John 8:36
John 8:36 Therefore if the Son shall set you⁺ free, you⁺ will be really free.
Phil. 2:13
Phil. 2:13 For God is the One working in you⁺ both to will and to work on behalf of [His] good pleasure.
Rom. 7:13–25; Gal. 5:17
Rom. 7:13–25 13 Did that which [is] good, then, become death to me? Never may it be! But so that sin might be shown as sin, it is producing death through that which [is] good to me, so that through the commandment sin might become sinful beyond excess. 14 For we have known that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, having been sold as a slave under sin. 15 For what I carry out, I do not understand. For what I want, this I do not practice; but what I hate, this I do. 16 Now if what I do not want, this I do, I assent to the law, that [it is] good. 17 But now I no longer carry it out, but the sin dwelling in me. 18 For I know that there does not dwell in me—that is, in my flesh—good. For to want is present with me, but not to carry out the good. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do; but the evil that I do not want, this I practice. 20 Now if what I do not want, this I do, no longer do I carry it out, but sin dwelling in me. 21 I find, then, the law in my wanting to do good, that evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man, 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members. 24 O wretched man [that] I am! Who will deliver me out of this body of death? 25 But thanks [be] to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself indeed with the mind serve God’s law, but [with] the flesh the law of sin.
Gal. 5:17 For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the [things] you⁺ may want, these things you⁺ may not do.
1 Cor. 4:7
1 Cor. 4:7 For who makes you different? And what do you have that you did not receive? And if also you did receive [it], why do you boast as not having received [it]?
Rom. 1:10
Rom. 1:10 always upon my prayers, imploring if somehow now at last by the will of God I will make a prosperous journey to come to you⁺.
Num. 24:13
Num. 24:13 [that] if Balak were to give to me the fullness of his house in silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of YHWH to do good or bad of my own will? That which YHWH says, that I must speak.
Luke 1:22
Luke 1:22 But having come out, he was not able to speak to them, and they recognized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he was making signs to them and remained mute.
Eccl. 7:29
Eccl. 7:29 See, this alone I have found: That God made man upright, and they have sought out many schemes.

Parallel passages (6+)

Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 9: Of Free Will19 shared proof texts · 7 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 13: Of Sanctification14 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Heidelberg Catechism · Question 313 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God10 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 9: Of Free Will9 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works10 shared proof texts · shared topic

London Baptist Confession (1689)

Chapter 4: Of Creation

1. In the beginning it pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for the manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, to create or make the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good.

2. After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and female, with reasonable and immortal souls, rendering them fit unto that life to God, for which they were created; being made after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfill it; and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject to change.

3. Besides the law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; which while they kept, they were happy in their communion with God, and had dominion over the creatures.

Scripture proofs

John 1:2–3; Heb. 1:2; Job 26:13.
John 1:2–3 2 This One was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one [thing] came into being that has come into being.
Heb. 1:2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,
Job 26:13 By His breath the heavens were made clear; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent.
Rom. 1:20.
Rom. 1:20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse.
Col. 1:16; Gen. 1:31.
Col. 1:16 because in Him were created all things in the heavens and on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or lordships or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.
Gen. 1:31 And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, [it was] very good! And there was evening and there was morning—the sixth day.
Gen. 1:27.
Gen. 1:27 And God created the man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Gen. 2:7.
Gen. 2:7 And YHWH God formed the man [from] dust of the ground, and He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living soul.
Eccl. 7:29; Gen. 1:26.
Eccl. 7:29 See, this alone I have found: That God made man upright, and they have sought out many schemes.
Gen. 1:26 And God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the bird of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls upon the earth.”
Rom. 2:14–15.
Rom. 2:14–15 14 For when Gentiles, not having the law, may do by nature the things of the law, these not having a law are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]
Gen. 3:6.
Gen. 3:6 And the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes and the tree [was] desirable to make one wise. And she took from its fruit and ate, and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.
Gen. 2:17; Gen. 3:8–10.
Gen. 2:17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”
Gen. 3:8–10 8 And they heard the voice of YHWH God walking about in the garden in the breeze of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the face of YHWH God in the midst of the trees of the garden. 9 And YHWH God called to the man, and He said to him, “Where [are] you?” 10 And he said, “Your voice I heard in the garden, and I was afraid because I am naked, and I hid myself.”
Gen. 1:26, 28.
Gen. 1:26, 28 26 And God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the bird of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls upon the earth.” 28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it. And rule over the fish of the sea and over the bird of the heavens and over every living thing that is crawling upon the earth.”

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London Baptist Confession (1689)

Chapter 9: Of Free Will

1. God hath endued the will of man, with that natural liberty, and power of acting upon choice; that it is neither forced, nor by any necessity of nature determined to do good or evil.

2. Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom, and power, to will and to do that which was good, and well-pleasing to God, but yet was mutable, so that he might fall from it.

3. Man by his fall into a state of sin hath wholly lost all ability of will, to any spiritual good accompanying salvation; so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself; or to prepare himself thereunto.

4. When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, he freeth him from his natural bondage under sin, and by his grace alone, enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good; yet so as that by reason of his remaining corruptions he doth not perfectly nor only will that which is good; but doth also will that which is evil.

5. This will of man is made perfectly, and immutably free to good alone, in the state of glory only.

Scripture proofs

Matt. 17:12; James 1:14; Deut. 30:19.
Matt. 17:12 But I say to you⁺ that Elijah did already come, and they did not know him, but they did to him whatever they wanted. Thus also the Son of Man is about to suffer under them.”
James 1:14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire.
Deut. 30:19 I call as witnesses against you⁺ today the heavens and the earth [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, that you may live—you and your seed,
Eccl. 7:29.
Eccl. 7:29 See, this alone I have found: That God made man upright, and they have sought out many schemes.
Gen. 3:6.
Gen. 3:6 And the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes and the tree [was] desirable to make one wise. And she took from its fruit and ate, and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.
Rom. 5:6; Rom. 8:7.
Rom. 5:6 Still indeed Christ, [in] our still being weak, according to the right time, died for the ungodly.
Rom. 8:7 because the mind of the flesh [is] hostility toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for [it is] not even able.
Eph. 2:1, 5.
Eph. 2:1, 5 1 And you⁺, being dead in your⁺ trespasses and sins— 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved—
Titus 3:3–5; John 6:44.
Titus 3:3–5 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, being deceived, being in slavery to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,
John 6:44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day.
Col. 1:13; John 8:36.
Col. 1:13 who delivered us from the authority of darkness and transferred [us] into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
John 8:36 Therefore if the Son shall set you⁺ free, you⁺ will be really free.
Phil. 2:13.
Phil. 2:13 For God is the One working in you⁺ both to will and to work on behalf of [His] good pleasure.
Rom. 7:15, 18–19, 21, 23.
Rom. 7:15, 18–19, 21, 23 15 For what I carry out, I do not understand. For what I want, this I do not practice; but what I hate, this I do. 18 For I know that there does not dwell in me—that is, in my flesh—good. For to want is present with me, but not to carry out the good. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do; but the evil that I do not want, this I practice. 21 I find, then, the law in my wanting to do good, that evil is present with me. 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.
Eph. 4:13.
Eph. 4:13 until we all may come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

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London Baptist Confession (1689)

Chapter 21: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience

1. The liberty which Christ hath purchased, for believers under the gospel, consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the rigor and curse of the law; and in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin; from the evil of afflictions; the fear, and sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation: as also in their free access to God; and their yielding obedience unto him not out of slavish fear, but a childlike love and willing mind. All which were common also to believers under the law for the substance of them; but under the New Testament the liberty of Christians is further enlarged in their freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, to which the Jewish church was subjected; and in greater boldness of access to the throne of grace; and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God, than believers under the law did ordinarily partake of.

2. God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to his Word, or not contained in it. So that to believe such doctrines, or obey such commands out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience; and the requiring of an implicit faith, and absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience, and reason also.

3. They who upon pretense of Christian liberty do practice any sin, or cherish any sinful lust; as they do thereby pervert the main design of the grace of the gospel to their own destruction; so they wholly destroy the end of Christian liberty, which is, that being delivered out of the hands of all our enemies we might serve the Lord without fear, in holiness, and righteousness before him, all the days of our lives.

Scripture proofs

Gal. 3:13.
Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”
Gal. 1:4.
Gal. 1:4 the One having given Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us out of the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
Acts 26:18.
Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, [that] they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those having been sanctified by faith in Me.’
Rom. 8:3.
Rom. 8:3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh,
Rom. 8:28.
Rom. 8:28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose,
1 Cor. 15:54–57.
1 Cor. 15:54–57 54 Now when this corruptible shall have put on incorruptibility, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then the word having been written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, [is] your victory? Where, O death, [is] your sting?” 56 Now the sting of death [is] sin, and the power of sin [is] the law. 57 But thanks [be] to God, the One giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thess. 1:10.
2 Thess. 1:10 when He shall come to be glorified in His saints and to be marveled at among all those having believed—because our testimony to you⁺ was believed—in that day.
Rom. 8:15.
Rom. 8:15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Luke 1:74–75; 1 John 4:18.
Luke 1:74–75 74 having been saved from the hand of [our] enemies, to serve Him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment; and the one fearing has not been perfected in love.
Gal. 3:9, 14.
Gal. 3:9, 14 9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham. 14 so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
John 7:38–39; Heb. 10:19–21.
John 7:38–39 38 The one believing in Me, as the Scripture said: ‘Out of his belly will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now He said this about the Spirit, whom those having believed in Him were about to receive; for the Spirit was not yet, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Heb. 10:19–21 19 Therefore, brothers, having confidence for entrance to the holy places in the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way, which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and [having] a great priest over the house of God,
James 4:12; Rom. 14:4.
James 4:12 One is the Lawgiver and Judge, the One being able to save and to destroy. But who are you, the one judging the neighbor?
Rom. 14:4 Who are you, judging another’s servant? To [his] own master he stands or falls. And he will be made to stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
Acts 4:19; Acts 5:29; 1 Cor. 7:23; Matt. 15:9.
Acts 4:19 But Peter and John, answering, said to them, “Whether it is right before God to listen to you⁺ rather than God, you⁺ must judge.
Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles, answering, said, “It is necessary to obey God rather than men.
1 Cor. 7:23 You⁺ were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
Matt. 15:9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”
Col. 2:20, 22–23.
Col. 2:20, 22–23 20 If you⁺ died with Christ, away from the elements of the world, why, as if living in the world, are you⁺ subject to decrees: 22 which are all unto decay with the use, according to the precepts and teachings of men, 23 which, having indeed a word of wisdom in self-willed worship and humility and harsh treatment of the body, are not in any value toward the indulgence of the flesh.
1 Cor. 3:5; 2 Cor. 1:24.
1 Cor. 3:5 Who then is Apollos? And who is Paul? Servants through whom you⁺ believed, even as the Lord gave to each.
2 Cor. 1:24 Not that we lord it over your⁺ faith, but we are fellow workers with you⁺ of joy; for in the faith you⁺ stand firm.
Rom. 6:1–2.
Rom. 6:1–2 1 What then will we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? 2 Never may it be! [We] who died to sin, how shall we still live in it?
Gal. 5:13; 2 Peter 2:18, 21.
Gal. 5:13 For you⁺ were called to freedom, brothers, only not the freedom for an opportunity to the flesh. But serve one another through love.
2 Peter 2:18, 21 18 For speaking great swelling words of vanity, they entice in the passions of the flesh to sensuality those barely escaping from those conducting themselves in error, 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, having known [it], to have turned from the holy commandment having been delivered to them.

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