Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

Perseverance of the Saints

16 passages across 9 documents address Perseverance of the Saints. The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. The Definition and Federal Certainty of Perseverance

"The elect when they are once truly in the church of the saints, may indeed sometimes fall, but they never wholly and finally depart from it..." "...but those in whom God once produces true faith, do not finally fall away." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is to the effect that they whom God has regenerated and effectually called to a state of grace, can neither totally nor finally fall away from that state, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end and be eternally saved." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"All truly justified, adopted, and sanctified persons do persevere in grace to the end, and shall assuredly attain the heavenly inheritance." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

II. The Sovereign Source: God's Immutable Decree, Love, and Fidelity

"If the righteous were sustained by their own strength, they might indeed fall and lose the grace of God, but they are continually supported by divine grace." "...for if he desires that we should be assured of his present grace, he will also have us certain of that which is still future, for he is unchangeable." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"God's decree is the very pillar and basis on which the saints' perseverance depends." "A child of God cannot fall away while he is held fast in these two arms of God—his love, and his faithfulness." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"From God's everlasting, unchangeable love, and his faithfulness in his promises of perseverance, as well as of heaven, which he hath made unto them." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

III. The Work of Christ: Mediation, Union, and Intercession

"Christ has not only merited and conferred his benefits upon me, but he also continually preserves me in them, and grants me perseverance, that I may neither faint nor fall from his grace." "By reason of our preservation Christ is our Lord; because he defends us even to the end, and keeps us unto eternal life, not only by preserving our bodies from injuries, but our souls also from sin." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"They share in the life of Christ, and because He lives they live also. It is impossible that they should again be removed from the body, frustrating the divine ideal." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"He ever lives to make intercession for them." "If the heirs of heaven should be disinherited, and fall short of glory—then God's decree must be reversed, his promise broken, and Christ's prayer frustrated, which would be blasphemy to imagine." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

IV. The Work of the Spirit: The Indwelling, Inseparable Seed, and Sealing

"...how can the godly be certain of their perseverance and salvation, seeing that they may lose the Holy Spirit? which is, that they are never wholly and finally forsaken of the Spirit of God." "This the apostle John expressly affirms when he says, 'Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.'" [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"The Apostle's doctrine is not, that the grace of a good will is offered to us if we will accept of it, but that God himself is pleased so to work in us as to guide, turn, and govern our heart by his Spirit, and reign in it as his own possession." "That intermediate movement which the sophists imagine, a movement which every one is free to obey or to reject, is obviously excluded by the doctrine of effectual perseverance." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"And whence this readiness, but just that the Spirit of God being everywhere consistent with himself, after first begetting a principle of obedience, cherishes and strengthens it for perseverance?" [John Calvin - Institutes]

"The perseverantia is not an act of man but it is a gift of God." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Perseverance may be defined as that continuous operation of the Holy Spirit in the believer, by which the work of divine grace that is begun in the heart, is continued and brought to completion." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

V. The Reality of Falls and the Means of Recovery

"The godly may, and often do lose many of the gifts of the Spirit of regeneration; but they do not lose them wholly..." "They fall, but not totally, nor finally." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"They are often, indeed, thrown into alarm, but never so thoroughly as not to recover themselves. They fall by the violence of the blows, but they get up again; they are wounded, but not mortally." "In fine, they labour on through the whole course of their lives, so as ultimately to gain the victory, though they meet with occasional defeats." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"The certainty of the outcome does not make the means superfluous, but in God’s ordinance is bound to it unbreakably." "Perseverance too is not compulsion but, as a gift of God, works in a spiritual way upon man." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

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Question 1

Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

A. That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has delivered me from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, also assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 6:19–20.

    1 Cor. 6:19–20 19 Or do you⁺ not know that your⁺ body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you⁺, whom you⁺ have from God? And you⁺ are not your own, 20 for you⁺ were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your⁺ body.

  • Rom. 14:7–9.

    Rom. 14:7–9 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself. 8 For both if we should live, we live to the Lord, and if we should die, we die to the Lord. Therefore both if we should live and if we should die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For unto this Christ died and lived again, so that He might be Lord over both the dead and the living.

  • 1 Cor. 3:23; Titus 2:14.

    1 Cor. 3:23 and you⁺ [are] of Christ, and Christ [is] of God.

    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 Peter 1:18–19; 1 John 1:7–9; 2:2.

    1 Peter 1:18–19 18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold— 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,

    1 John 1:7–9 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we should say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    2:2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • John 8:34–36; Heb. 2:14–15; 1 John 3:1–11.

    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. 35 Now the slave does not remain in the house to the age; the son remains to the age. 36 Therefore if the Son shall set you⁺ free, you⁺ will be really free.

    Heb. 2:14–15 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might set free those who all [their time] to live were subject to slavery through the fear of death.

    1 John 3:1–11 1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God—and we are! Because of this, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 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. 3 And everyone having this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 4 Everyone who [is] doing sin also does lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you⁺ know that He appeared so that He should take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. 6 Everyone who [is] remaining in Him does not sin; everyone who [is] sinning has not seen Him, nor has he known Him. 7 Little children, let no one lead you⁺ astray; the one doing righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 The one doing sin is of the devil, because the devil is sinning from the beginning. For this the Son of God was made manifest, so that He might destroy the works of the devil. 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. 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: everyone not doing righteousness is not of God, and the one not loving his brother. 11 For this is the message that you⁺ heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

  • John 6:39–40; 10:27–30; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Peter 1:5.

    John 6:39–40 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.”

    10:27–30 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 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. 30 I and the Father are one.”

    2 Thess. 3:3 But faithful is the Lord, who will strengthen you⁺ and guard [you] from the evil one.

    1 Peter 1:5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • Matt. 10:29–31; Luke 21:16–18.

    Matt. 10:29–31 29 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your⁺ Father. 30 And even the hairs of your⁺ head are all numbered. 31 Therefore do not be afraid; you⁺ are more valuable than many sparrows.

    Luke 21:16–18 16 And you⁺ will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put to death some of you⁺. 17 And you⁺ will be hated by all because of My name. 18 And no, not a hair of your⁺ head shall perish.

  • 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,

  • Rom. 8:15–16; 2 Cor. 1:21–22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13–14.

    Rom. 8:15–16 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!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

    2 Cor. 1:21–22 21 Now the One establishing us with you⁺ into Christ, and having anointed us, [is] God, 22 the One also having sealed us and having given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.

    5:5 Now the One having prepared us for this very [thing] [is] God, the One having given to us the pledge of the Spirit,

    Eph. 1:13–14 13 in whom you⁺ also, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your⁺ salvation, in whom also having believed, you⁺ were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the pledge of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

  • Rom. 8:1–17.

    Rom. 8:1–17 1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and death. 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, 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, 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. 9 But you⁺ are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you⁺; and if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him. 10 But if Christ [is] in you⁺, the body [is] indeed dead because of sin, but the spirit [is] life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of the One having raised Jesus out from the dead dwells in you⁺, the One having raised Christ Jesus out from the dead will also make alive your⁺ mortal bodies through His Spirit, the One dwelling in you⁺. 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you⁺ live according to the flesh, you⁺ are about to die; but if by the Spirit you⁺ put to death the deeds of the body, you⁺ will live. 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!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, also heirs: heirs indeed of God, and co-heirs of Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him], so that we may also be glorified with [Him].

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation14 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works13 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 54

Q. What do you believe concerning "the holy catholic church"?

A. I believe that the Son of God through his Spirit and Word, out of the entire human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. And of this community I am and always will be a living member.

Scripture proofs
  • John 10:14–16; Acts 20:28; Rom. 10:14–17; Col. 1:18.

    John 10:14–16 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me— 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd.

    Acts 20:28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among whom the Holy Spirit has set you⁺ as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with [His] own blood.

    Rom. 10:14–17 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 15 And how can they preach unless they can be sent? As it has been written: “How beautiful [are] the feet of those proclaiming good news of good things!” 16 But not all heeded the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    Col. 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, firstborn out from the dead, so that He might be having preeminence in all things,

  • Gen. 26:3b–4; Rev. 5:9.

    Gen. 26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and I will bless you. For to you and to your seed I will give all these lands, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to Abraham your father.

    Rev. 5:9 And they sing a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and You purchased for God by Your blood, out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

  • Isa. 59:21; 1 Cor. 11:26.

    Isa. 59:21 “And Me, this [is] My covenant with them,” says YHWH. “My Spirit who [is] upon you, and My words that I have put in your mouth, they will not depart from your mouth and from the mouth of your seed, and from the mouth of the seed of your seed, says YHWH, from now and even to forever.”

    1 Cor. 11:26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

  • Matt. 16:18; John 10:28–30; Rom. 8:28–30; Eph. 1:3–14.

    Matt. 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

    John 10:28–30 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. 30 I and the Father are one.”

    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.

    Eph. 1:3–14 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One having blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ in the heavenly realms, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One, 7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, 8 which He abounded to us in all wisdom and understanding, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him 10 for the administration of the fullness of the times, to bring together all things in Christ—the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth— 11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will 12 for us to be to the praise of His glory, the ones having first hoped in Christ, 13 in whom you⁺ also, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your⁺ salvation, in whom also having believed, you⁺ were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the pledge of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

  • Acts 2:42–47; Eph. 4:1–6.

    Acts 2:42–47 42 Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers. 43 And fear was coming upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those believing were in the same [place] and were having all things in common. 45 And they were selling the possessions and the goods and were dividing them to all, as anyone had need. 46 And every day they were steadfastly continuing with one accord in the temple and breaking bread at each house. They were partaking of food with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord kept adding every day to the same those being saved.

    Eph. 4:1–6 1 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you⁺ to walk worthily of the calling to which you⁺ were called, 2 with all humility and gentleness; with patience, bearing with one another in love; 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; 4 one body and one Spirit, just as also you⁺ were called in one hope of your⁺ calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who [is] over all and through all and in all.

  • 1 John 3:14, 19–21.

    1 John 3:14, 19–21 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love [our] brothers. The one not loving remains in death. 19 And in this we will know that we are of the truth, and we will assure our heart before Him, 20 that if our heart may condemn [us], that God is greater than our heart, and He knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart may not condemn [us], we have confidence toward God,

  • John 10:27–28; 1 Cor. 1:4–9; 1 Peter 1:3–5.

    John 10:27–28 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 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.

    1 Cor. 1:4–9 4 I thank my God always concerning you⁺ for the grace of God having been given to you⁺ in Christ Jesus, 5 that in everything you⁺ were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you⁺, 7 so as for you⁺ not to be lacking in [any] gift, eagerly awaiting the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who also will confirm you⁺ until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 Faithful [is] God, by whom you⁺ were called into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

    1 Peter 1:3–5 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One according to His great mercy having begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ out from the dead, 4 into an inheritance imperishable and undefiled and unfading, being kept in the heavens for you⁺, 5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree15 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator10 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church8 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling8 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation7 shared proof texts · shared topic

Article 27: The Holy Catholic Church

We believe and confess One single catholic or universal church—a holy congregation and gathering of true Christian believers, awaiting their entire salvation in Jesus Christ being washed by his blood, and sanctified and sealed by the Holy Spirit. This church has existed from the beginning of the world and will last until the end, as appears from the fact that Christ is eternal King who cannot be without subjects. And this holy church is preserved by God against the rage of the whole world, even though for a time it may appear very small in the eyes of men—as though it were snuffed out. For example, during the very dangerous time of Ahab the Lord preserved for himself seven thousand men who did not bend their knees to Baal.

And so this holy church is not confined, bound, or limited to a certain place or certain persons. But it is spread and dispersed throughout the entire world, though still joined and united in heart and will, in one and the same Spirit, by the power of faith.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Kings 19:18.

    1 Kings 19:18 And I have reserved in Israel seven thousand—all the knees that have not bowed to the Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Fifth Head, Article 9: The Assurance of This Preservation5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church5 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Fifth Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 544 shared topics

Fifth Head, Article 3: God's Preservation of the Converted

Because of these remnants of sin dwelling in them and also because of the temptations of the world and Satan, those who have been converted could not remain standing in this grace if left to their own resources. But God is faithful, mercifully strengthening them in the grace once conferred on them and powerfully preserving them in it to the end.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints4 shared topicsScots Confession · Chapter XII: Faith in the Holy Ghost4 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 27: The Holy Catholic Church3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints3 shared topics

Fifth Head, Article 6: God's Saving Intervention

For God, who is rich in mercy, according to his unchangeable purpose of election does not take his Holy Spirit from his own completely, even when they fall grievously. Neither does he let them fall down so far that they forfeit the grace of adoption and the state of justification, or commit the sin which leads to death (the sin against the Holy Spirit), and plunge themselves, entirely forsaken by him, into eternal ruin.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 365 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared topics

Fifth Head, Article 8: The Certainty of This Preservation

So it is not by their own merits or strength but by God's undeserved mercy that they neither forfeit faith and grace totally nor remain in their downfalls to the end and are lost. With respect to themselves this not only easily could happen, but also undoubtedly would happen; but with respect to God it cannot possibly happen, since his plan cannot be changed, his promise cannot fail, the calling according to his purpose cannot be revoked, the merit of Christ as well as his interceding and preserving cannot be nullified, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit can neither be invalidated nor wiped out.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints4 shared topicsScots Confession · Chapter XII: Faith in the Holy Ghost4 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 27: The Holy Catholic Church3 shared topics

Fifth Head, Article 9: The Assurance of This Preservation

Concerning this preservation of those chosen to salvation and concerning the perseverance of true believers in faith, believers themselves can and do become assured in accordance with the measure of their faith, by which they firmly believe that they are and always will remain true and living members of the church, and that they have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints7 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints7 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 546 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 796 shared topics

Fifth Head: Rejection of the Errors

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

Error I.

Who teach that the perseverance of true believers is not an effect of election or a gift of God produced by Christ's death, but a condition of the new covenant which man, before what they call his "peremptory" election and justification, must fulfill by his free will.

For Holy Scripture testifies that perseverance follows from election and is granted to the chosen by virtue of Christ's death, resurrection, and intercession: "The chosen obtained it; the others were hardened" (Rom. 11:7); likewise, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not, along with him, grant us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? It is Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised—who also sits at the right hand of God, and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Rom. 8:32–35).

Error II.

Who teach that God does provide the believer with sufficient strength to persevere and is ready to preserve this strength in him if he performs his duty, but that even with all those things in place which are necessary to persevere in faith and which God is pleased to use to preserve faith, it still always depends on the choice of man's will whether or not he perseveres.

For this view is obviously Pelagian; and though it intends to make men free it makes them sacrilegious. It is against the enduring consensus of evangelical teaching which takes from man all cause for boasting and ascribes the praise for this benefit only to God's grace. It is also against the testimony of the apostle: "It is God who keeps us strong to the end, so that we will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 1:8).

Error III.

Who teach that those who truly believe and have been born again not only can forfeit justifying faith as well as grace and salvation totally and to the end, but also in actual fact do often forfeit them and are lost forever.

For this opinion nullifies the very grace of justification and regeneration as well as the continual preservation by Christ, contrary to the plain words of the apostle Paul: "If Christ died for us while we were still sinners, we will therefore much more be saved from God's wrath through him, since we have now been justified by his blood" (Rom. 5:8–9); and contrary to the apostle John: "No one who is born of God is intent on sin, because God's seed remains in him, nor can he sin, because he has been born of God" (1 John 3:9); also contrary to the words of Jesus Christ: "I give eternal life to my sheep, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand" (John 10:28–29).

Error IV.

Who teach that those who truly believe and have been born again can commit the sin that leads to death (the sin against the Holy Spirit).

For the same apostle John, after making mention of those who commit the sin that leads to death and forbidding prayer for them (1 John 5:16–17), immediately adds: "We know that anyone born of God does not commit sin" [that is, that kind of sin], "but the one who was born of God keeps himself safe, and the evil one does not touch him" (v. 18).

Error V.

Who teach that apart from a special revelation no one can have the assurance of future perseverance in this life.

For by this teaching the well-founded consolation of true believers in this life is taken away and the doubting of the Romanists is reintroduced into the church. Holy Scripture, however, in many places derives the assurance not from a special and extraordinary revelation but from the marks peculiar to God's children and from God's completely reliable promises. So especially the apostle Paul: "Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:39); and John: "They who obey his commands remain in him and he in them. And this is how we know that he remains in us: by the Spirit he gave us" (1 John 3:24).

Error VI.

Who teach that the teaching of the assurance of perseverance and of salvation is by its very nature and character an opiate of the flesh and is harmful to godliness, good morals, prayer, and other holy exercises, but that, on the contrary, to have doubt about this is praiseworthy.

For these people show that they do not know the effective operation of God's grace and the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and they contradict the apostle John, who asserts the opposite in plain words: "Dear friends, now we are children of God, but what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he is made known, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure" (1 John 3:2–3). Moreover, they are refuted by the examples of the saints in both the Old and the New Testament, who though assured of their perseverance and salvation yet were constant in prayer and other exercises of godliness.

Error VII.

Who teach that the faith of those who believe only temporarily does not differ from justifying and saving faith except in duration alone.

For Christ himself in Matthew 13:20ff. and Luke 8:13ff. clearly defines these further differences between temporary and true believers: he says that the former receive the seed on rocky ground, and the latter receive it in good ground, or a good heart; the former have no root, and the latter are firmly rooted; the former have no fruit, and the latter produce fruit in varying measure, with steadfastness, or perseverance.

Error VIII.

Who teach that it is not absurd that a person, after losing his former regeneration, should once again, indeed quite often, be reborn.

For by this teaching they deny the imperishable nature of God's seed by which we are born again, contrary to the testimony of the apostle Peter: "Born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable" (1 Peter 1:23).

Error IX.

Who teach that Christ nowhere prayed for an unfailing perseverance of believers in faith.

For they contradict Christ himself when he says: "I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not fail" (Luke 22:32); and John the gospel writer when he testifies in John 17 that it was not only for the apostles, but also for all those who were to believe by their message that Christ prayed: "Holy Father, preserve them in your name" (v. 11); and "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you preserve them from the evil one" (v. 15).

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 11:7

    Rom. 11:7 What then? What Israel seeks after, this it did not obtain, but the elect obtained [it]. And the rest were hardened,

  • Rom. 8:32–35

    Rom. 8:32–35 32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? 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?

  • 1 Cor. 1:8

    1 Cor. 1:8 who also will confirm you⁺ until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Rom. 5:8–9

    Rom. 5:8–9 8 But God demonstrates His own love to us, that [in] our being still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Therefore much more, having been justified now by His blood, we will be saved by Him from wrath!

  • 1 John 3:9

    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.

  • John 10:28–29

    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 5:16–17

    1 John 5:16–17 16 If anyone should see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and He will give to him life—to those sinning not unto death. There is a sin unto death; I do not say that he should implore concerning that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not unto death.

  • Rom. 8:39

    Rom. 8:39 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.

  • 1 John 3:24

    1 John 3:24 And the one keeping His commandments remains in Him, and He in him. And in this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit whom He gave to us.

  • 1 John 3:2–3

    1 John 3:2–3 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. 3 And everyone having this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

  • Matthew 13:20

    Matthew 13:20 And that having been sown upon the rocky [places], this is the one hearing the word and immediately receiving it with joy.

  • Luke 8:13

    Luke 8:13 And the ones upon the rock [are] those who, when they may hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a time, and in time of testing they fall away.

  • 1 Peter 1:23

    1 Peter 1:23 having been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, by the word of God, living and abiding,

  • Luke 22:32

    Luke 22:32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

  • John 17
Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints8 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree6 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints5 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 15 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation5 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

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.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints22 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7911 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 19511 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Fifth Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 18 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 268 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 36

Q. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 5:5.

    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. 5:1.

    Rom. 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • Rom. 14:17.

    Rom. 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

  • 2 Peter 3:18.

    2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him [be] the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

  • Phil. 1:6; 1 Peter 1:5.

    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.

    1 Peter 1:5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 834 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints2 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints1 shared proof text · 4 shared topics

Question 79

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

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

Scripture proofs
  • Jer. 31:3.

    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.

  • 2 Tim. 2:19; Heb. 13:20–21; 2 Sam. 23:5.

    2 Tim. 2:19 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.”

    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.

    2 Sam. 23:5 For not so [is] my house with God; yet an everlasting covenant He has made with me, ordered in all things and secure; for [this is] all my salvation, and all [my] desire, for will He not make it sprout?

  • 1 Cor. 1:8–9.

    1 Cor. 1:8–9 8 who also will confirm you⁺ until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 Faithful [is] God, by whom you⁺ were called into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • Heb. 7:25; Luke 22:32.

    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.

    Luke 22:32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

  • 1 John 3:9; 1 John 2:27.

    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 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.

  • Jer. 32:40; John 10:28.

    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.

    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.

  • 1 Peter 1:5.

    1 Peter 1:5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints11 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints5 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Fifth Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 544 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Chapter XII: Faith in the Holy Ghost

This our faith and the assurance of the same proceeds not from flesh and blood (Matt. 16), that is to say, from no natural powers within us, but is the inspiration of the Holy Ghost (John 14–16), whom we confess God equal with the Father and with the Son, who sanctifies us and brings us in all verity by His own operation, without whom we should remain forever enemies to God and ignorant of His Son, Christ Jesus. For by nature we are so dead, so blind, and so perverse that neither can we feel when we are pricked, see the light when it shines, nor assent to the will of God when it is revealed, unless the Spirit of the Lord Jesus quicken that which is dead, remove the darkness from our minds, and bow our stubborn hearts to the obedience of His blessed will. And so as we confess that God the Father created us when we were not; as His Son our Lord Jesus redeemed us when we were enemies to Him (Rom. 5); so also do we confess that the Holy Ghost does sanctify and regenerate us without all respect of any merit proceeding from us, be it before or be it after our regeneration. To speak this one thing, yet in more plain words, as we willingly spoil our selves of all honor and glory of our own creation and redemption, so do we also of our regeneration and sanctification, for of our selves we are not sufficient to think any good thought (2 Cor. 7). But He who has begun the good work in us is only He that continues us in the same to the praise and glory of His undeserved grace.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Third and Fourth Head, Article 12: Regeneration a Supernatural Work7 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared topics

Chapter XXV: The Gifts Freely Given to the Church

Albeit that the Word of God truly preached, the sacraments rightly ministered and discipline executed according to the Word of God, be the certain and infallible signs of the true kirk, yet do we not so mean that every particular person joined with such a company is an elect member of Christ Jesus. For we acknowledge and confess that darnel, cockle, and chaff may be sown, grow and in great abundance lie in the midst of the wheat (Matt. 3, 13), that is, the reprobate may be joined in the society of the elect and may externally use with them the benefits of the Word and sacraments; but such being but temporal professors in mouth, but not in heart, do fall back and continue not to the end. And, therefore, have they no fruit of Christ's death, resurrection, nor ascension; but such as whose heart unfeignedly believe (Rom. 10) and whose mouth boldly confess the Lord Jesus (as before we have said) will most assuredly receive these gifts first in this life, remission of sins, and that by only faith in Christ's blood (John 3; Rom. 3–5, 8), in so much that albeit sin remains and continually abides in these our mortal bodies, yet is it not imputed unto us, but is remitted and covered with Christ's justice. Secondarily, in the general judgment there will be given to every man and woman resurrection of the flesh (Isa. 66; Dan. 12; 1 Cor. 15; Job 19); for the sea will give up her dead, the earth those that therein be enclosed: yes, our eternal God will stretch out His hand upon the dust and the dead will arise incorruptible and that in the substance of the selfsame flesh that every man now bears, to receive according to their works, glory, or punishment (Rom. 2). For such as now dealt in vanity, cruelty, filthiness, superstition, or idolatry will be adjudged to that fire inextinguishable in which they will be committed for ever (Rev. 20–21), as well in their own bodies as in their souls which now they give to serve the devil in all abomination. But such as continue in well doing to the end, boldly professing the Lord Jesus, who constantly believe that they will receive glory, honor, and immortality to reign forever in life everlasting with Christ Jesus, to whose glorified body all His elect will be made like (1 John 5), when He will appear again to judgment and will render up the kingdom to God His Father, who then will be and ever will remain all in all things (1 Cor. 15), God blessed forever. To whom with the Son and with the Holy Ghost be all honor and glory, now and ever.

Finis

Arise, O Lord, and let Thy enemies be confounded, let them flee from Thy presence that hate Thy godly name. Give Thy servants strength to speak Thy word in boldness, and let all nations attain to Thy true knowledge. So be it.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World10 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church9 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints7 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit7 shared topics

Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints

God has from the beginning freely, and of His mere grace, without any respect of men, predestinated or elected the saints, whom He will save in Christ, according to the saying of the apostle, "And He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world" (Eph. 1:4); and again, "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given unto us, through Jesus Christ, before the world was, but is now made manifest by the appearance of our Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 1:9–10).

Therefore, though not for any merit of ours, yet not without a means, but in Christ, and for Christ, did God choose us; and they who are now engrafted into Christ by faith, the same also were elected. But such as are without Christ were rejected, according to that saying of the apostle, "Prove yourselves, whether ye be in the faith. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Cor. 13:5).

To conclude, the saints are chosen in Christ by God unto a sure end, which end the apostle declares, when he says, "He hath chosen us in Him, that we should be holy and without blame before Him through love; who hath predestinated as to be adopted through Jesus Christ unto Himself, for the praise of His glorious grace" (Eph. 1:4–6).

And although God knows who are His, and now and then mention is made of the small number of the elect, yet we must hope well of all and not rashly judge any man to be a reprobate: for Paul says to the Philippians, "I thank my God for you all" (now he speaks of the whole church of the Philippians) "that ye are come into the fellowship of the gospel; and I am persuaded, that He that hath begun this work in you, will perform it, as it becometh me to judge of you all" (Phil. 1:3–7).

And when the Lord was asked whether there were few that should be saved, He does not answer and tell them that few or more should be saved or damned; but rather He exhorts every man to "strive to enter in at the strait gate" (Luke 13:24), as if He should say, It is not for you to rashly inquire of these matters, but rather to endeavor that you may enter into heaven by the straight way.

Wherefore we do not allow of the wicked speeches of some who say, Few are chosen, and seeing I know not whether I am in the number of those few, I will not defraud my nature of her desires. Others there are which say, If I am predestinated and chosen of God, nothing can hinder me from salvation, which is already certainly appointed for me, whatever I do at any time; but if I am in the number of the reprobate, no faith or repentance will help me, seeing the decree of God cannot be changed: therefore, all teachings and admonitions are to no purpose. Now against these men the saying of the apostle makes much, "The servants of God must be apt to teach, instructing them that are contrary minded, proving if God at any time will give them repentance, that they may come to amendment out of the snare of the devil, which are taken of him at his pleasure" (2 Tim. 2:24–26). Beside, Augustine also teaches that "Both the grace of free election and predestination, and also wholesome admonitions and doctrines, are to be preached" (Lib. De Bono Perseverantiae. Chap. 14).

We, therefore, condemn those who seek other than in Christ, whether they are chosen from all eternity, and what God has decreed of them before all beginning. For men must hear the gospel preached and believe it. If you believe and are in Christ, you may undoubtedly reckon that you are elected. For the Father has revealed unto us in Christ His eternal sentence of predestination, as we even now showed out of the apostle in 2 Timothy 1:9–10. This is, therefore, above all to be taught and well weighed, what great love of the Father towards us in Christ is revealed. We must hear what the Lord daily preaches unto us in His gospel, how He calls and says, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you" (Matt. 11:28). And, "So God loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son for it, that all which believe in Him should not perish but have life everlasting" (John 3:16). Also, "It is not the will of the Father, that any of these little ones should perish" (Matt. 18:14). Let Christ, therefore, be our looking glass, in whom we may behold our predestination. We shall have a most evident and sure testimony that we are written in the book of life, if we communicate with Christ; and He is ours and we His by a true faith.

Let this comfort us in the temptation touching predestination, than which there is none more dangerous: that the promises of God are general to the faithful, in that He says, "Ask, and ye shall receive; every one that asketh, receiveth" (Luke 11:9–10); and to conclude, in that we pray, with all the church of God, "Our Father which art in heaven" (Matt. 6:9); and for that in baptism we are ingrafted into the body of Christ and are fed in His church, oftentimes with His flesh and blood unto everlasting life. Thereby being strengthened, we are commanded to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling" according to that precept of Paul in Philippians 2:12.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 1:4

    Eph. 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love

  • 2 Tim. 1:9–10

    2 Tim. 1:9–10 9 the One having saved us and having called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, having been given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, 10 and now having been made manifest through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, having indeed abolished death and having brought to light life and immortality through the gospel,

  • 2 Cor. 13:5

    2 Cor. 13:5 Test yourselves, whether you⁺ are in the faith; examine yourselves. Or do you⁺ not recognize yourselves that Jesus Christ [is] in you⁺?—unless you⁺ are unapproved.

  • Eph. 1:4–6

    Eph. 1:4–6 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

  • Phil. 1:3–7

    Phil. 1:3–7 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you⁺, 4 always in my every supplication for all of you⁺, making the supplication with joy, 5 for your⁺ partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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. 7 Accordingly, it is right for me to think this about all of you⁺, because of me having you⁺ in the heart. Both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you⁺ all are fellow partakers of grace with me.

  • Luke 13:24

    Luke 13:24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door, because many, I say to you⁺, will seek to enter and will not be able.

  • 2 Tim. 2:24–26

    2 Tim. 2:24–26 24 And it is necessary for a servant of the Lord not to quarrel, but to be kind toward all, able to teach, forbearing, 25 in gentleness disciplining those opposing, lest ever God may give them repentance unto a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they might come to their senses out of the snare of the devil, having been captured by him unto his will.

  • 2 Timothy 1:9–10

    2 Timothy 1:9–10 9 the One having saved us and having called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, having been given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, 10 and now having been made manifest through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, having indeed abolished death and having brought to light life and immortality through the gospel,

  • Matt. 11:28

    Matt. 11:28 Come to Me, all those toiling and burdened, and I will give you⁺ rest.

  • John 3:16

    John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.

  • Matt. 18:14

    Matt. 18:14 Thus it is not the will of your⁺ Father who [is] in the heavens that one of these little ones should be lost.

  • Luke 11:9–10

    Luke 11:9–10 9 And I say to you⁺: Ask, and it will be given to you⁺; seek, and you⁺ will find; knock, and it will be opened to you⁺. 10 For everyone asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking, it will be opened.

  • Matt. 6:9

    Matt. 6:9 Therefore pray you⁺ this way: ‘Our Father who [is] in the heavens, hallowed be Your name.

  • Philippians 2:12

    Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, just as always you⁺ obeyed, not only as in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling4 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 543 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head, Article 7: Election3 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors2 shared proof texts · 10 shared topics

Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church

Forasmuch as God from the beginning would have men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4), therefore, it is necessary that there always should have been, and should be at this day, and to the end of the world, a church: that is, a company of the faithful, called and gathered out of the world; that is, a company (I say) of all saints, that is, of them who do truly know, and rightly worship and serve, the true God, in Jesus Christ the Savior by the Word and the Holy Spirit, and who by faith are partakers of all those good graces which are freely offered through Christ. These all are citizens of one and the same city living under one Lord, under the same laws, and in the same fellowship of all good things: for so the apostle calls them "fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God" (Eph. 2:19), terming the faithful upon the earth saints (1 Cor. 6:11) who are sanctified by the blood of the Son of God. Of these is that article of our Creed wholly to be understood: "I believe the catholic church, the communion of saints."

And seeing that there is always but "one God, and one mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ" (1 Tim. 2:5); also, one shepherd of the whole flock, one head of this body, and to conclude one Spirit, one salvation, one faith, one testament or covenant, it follows necessarily that there is but one church: which we, therefore, call catholic because it is universal, spread abroad through all the parts and quarters of the world, and reaches unto all times, and is not limited within the compass either of time or place. Here, therefore, we must condemn the Donatists who pinned up the church within the corners of Africa; neither do we allow of the Roman clergy, who vaunt that the Church of Rome alone is in a manner catholic.

The church is divided by some into divers parts or sorts: not that it is rent and divided from itself, but rather distinguished in respect of the diversity of the members that are in it. One part thereof they make to be the church militant, the other the church triumphant. The militant wars still on the earth and fights against the flesh, the world, the prince of the world, the devil, against sin, and against death. The other, being already set at liberty, is now in heaven and triumphs over all those things overcome, and continually rejoices before the Lord. Yet these two churches have notwithstanding a communion and fellowship among themselves.

Moreover, the church militant upon the earth has evermore had in it many particular churches, which must all notwithstanding be referred to the unity of the catholic church. This militant church was otherwise ordered and governed before the Law, among the patriarchs; otherwise under Moses, by the Law; and otherwise of Christ, by the gospel. There are but two sorts of people for the most part mentioned, to wit, the Israelites and the Gentiles; or they which, of the Jews and Gentiles, were gathered to make a church. There are also two testaments, the old and the new. Yet both these sorts of people have had, and still have, one fellowship, one salvation, in one and the same Messiah; in whom, as members of one body, they are all joined together under one head, and by one faith are all partakers of one and the same spiritual meat and drink. Yet here we do acknowledge a diversity of times, and a diversity in the pledges and signs of Christ promised and exhibited; and that now the ceremonies being abolished, the light shines unto us more clearly, our gifts and graces are more abundant and our liberty is more full and ample.

This holy church of God is called "the house of the living God" (2 Cor. 6:16), "builded of living and spiritual stones" (1 Peter 2:5) "founded upon a rock" (Matt. 16:18) "that cannot be removed" (Heb. 12:28) "upon a foundation, besides which none can be laid" (1 Cor. 3:11). Whereupon it is called "the pillar and foundation of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15) that does not err, so long as it relies upon the rock Christ, and upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles. And no marvel if it does err, as often as it forsakes Him who alone is the truth. This church is also called "a virgin" (2 Cor. 11:2) and "the spouse of Christ" (Song 4:8) and "his only beloved" (Song 5:16). For the apostle says, "I have joined you unto one husband, that I might present you a chaste virgin unto Christ" (2 Cor. 11:2). The church is called "a flock of sheep under one shepherd" even Christ (Ezek. 34:22–23 and John 10:16) also, "the body of Christ" (Col. 1:24) because the faithful are the lively members of Christ, having Him for their head.

It is the head which has the preeminence in the body, and from whence the whole body receives life; by whose spirit it is governed in all things, of whom also it receives increase that it may grow up. Also there is but one head of the body which has agreement with the body; and, therefore, the church cannot have any other head beside Christ. For as the church is a spiritual body, so must it have a spiritual head like unto itself. Neither can it be governed by any other spirit than by the Spirit of Christ. Wherefore Paul says, "And He is the head of His body the church, who is the beginning, the first born of the dead, that in all things He might have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18). And in another place, "Christ (he says) is the head of the church, and the same is the Savior of His body" (Eph. 5:23). And again, "Who is the head of the church, which is His body, even the fullness of Him, which filleth all in all things" (Eph. 1:22–23). Again, "Let us in all things grow up into Him which is the head, that is Christ; by whom all the body being knit together, receiveth increase" (Eph. 4:15–16). And, therefore, we do not allow of the doctrine of the Roman prelates, who would make the pope the general pastor and supreme head of the church of Christ militant here on earth, and the very vicar of Christ, who has (as they say) all fullness of power and sovereign authority in the church. For we hold and teach, that Christ our Lord is, and remains still the only universal pastor, and highest bishop, before God His Father; and that in the church He performs all the duties of a pastor or bishop, even to the world's end: and, therefore, does not stand in need of any other to supply His place. For he is said to have a substitute, who is absent: but Christ is present in His church, and is the head that gives life thereunto. He did straitly forbid His apostles and their successors all superiority or dominion in the church. They, therefore, that by gainsaying set themselves against so manifest a truth and bring another kind of government into the church; see not that they are to be counted in the number of them of whom the apostles of Christ prophesied as Peter (2 Peter 2:1) and Paul (Acts 20:29; 2 Cor. 11:13; 2 Thess. 2:8–9) and in many other places.

Now by taking away the Roman head, we do not bring any confusion or disorder into the church. For we teach that the government of the church which the apostles set down, is sufficient to keep the church in due order; which, from the beginning, while as yet it wanted such a Roman head as is now pretended to keep it in order, was not disordered or full of confusion. The Roman head indeed maintains his tyranny and corruption which have been brought into the church: but in the meantime he hinders, resists, and, with all the might he can make, cuts off the right and lawful reformation of the church.

They object to us that there have been great strifes and dissensions in our churches, since they did sever themselves from the Church of Rome; and that, therefore, they cannot be true churches. As though there were never in the Church of Rome any sects, any contentions and quarrels; and that in matters of religion, maintained not so much in the schools as in the holy chairs, even in the audience of the people. We know that the apostle said, "God is not the author of dissension, but of peace" (1 Cor. 14:33); and, "Seeing there is amongst you emulation and contention, are ye not carnal?" (1 Cor. 3:3–4). Yet may we not deny but that God was in that church planted by the apostle, and that the apostolic church was a true church, howsoever there were strifes and dissensions in it. The apostle Paul reprehended Peter, an apostle (Gal. 2:11), and Barnabas fell at variance with Paul (Acts 15:39). Great contention arose in the church of Antioch, between them that preached one and the same Christ, as Luke records in the Acts of the Apostles (15:2). And there have at all times been great contentions in the church, and the most excellent doctors of the church have about no small matters differed in opinion: yet so as in the meantime the church ceased not to be the church for all these contentions. For thus it pleases God to use the dissensions that arise in the church to the glory of His name, to the setting forth of the truth, and to the end that such as are not approved might be manifest (1 Cor. 11:19).

Now, as we acknowledge no other head of the church than Christ, so we do not acknowledge every church to be the true church which vaunts herself so to be: but we teach that to be the true church indeed in which the marks and tokens of the true church are to be found. First and chiefly, the lawful or sincere preaching of the Word of God, as it is left unto us in the writings of the prophets and apostles, which all seem to lead us unto Christ, who in the gospel has said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life. A stranger they do not hear, but flee from him, because they know not his voice" (John 10:5, 27–28). And they that are such in the church of God have all but one faith and one Spirit; and, therefore, they worship but one God: and Him alone they serve in spirit and in truth, loving Him with all their hearts and with all their strength, praying unto Him alone through Jesus Christ the only mediator and intercessor; and they seek not life or justice but only in Christ, and by faith in Him: because they acknowledge Christ the only head and foundation of His church, and, being surely founded on Him, daily repair themselves by repentance and with patience bear the cross laid upon them; and besides, by unfeigned love joining themselves to all the members of Christ, they declare themselves to be the disciples of Christ, by continuing in the bond of peace and holy unity. They do withal communicate in the sacraments ordained by Christ and delivered to us by His apostles, using them in no other manner than as they received them from the Lord Himself. That saying of the apostle Paul is well known to all, "I received from the Lord that which I delivered unto you" (1 Cor. 11:23). For which cause we condemn all such churches as strangers from the true church of Christ, who are not such as we have heard they ought to be; howsoever, in the meantime, they brag of the succession of bishops, of unity, and of antiquity. Moreover we have in charge from the apostles of Christ "to shun idolatry" (1 Cor. 10:14; 1 John 5:21) and "to come out of Babylon, and to have no fellowship with her, unless we mean to be partakers with her of all God's plagues laid upon her" (Rev. 18:4; 2 Cor. 6:17).

But as for communicating with the true church of Christ, we so highly esteem of it, that we say plainly that none can live before God which do not communicate with the true church of God, but separate themselves from the same. For as without the ark of Noah there was no escaping when the world perished in the flood; even so do we believe that without Christ, who in the church offers Himself to be enjoyed of the elect, there can be no certain salvation: and, therefore, we teach that such as would be saved must not separate themselves from the true church of Christ.

But yet we do not so strictly shut up the church within those marks before mentioned, as thereby to exclude all those out of the church which either do not communicate in the sacraments (not willingly, nor upon contempt, but who, being constrained by necessity, against their will abstain from them, or else do want them); or in whom faith sometimes fails, though not quite decay, nor altogether die: or in whom some slips and errors of infirmity may be found. For we know that God had some friends in the world that were not of the commonwealth of Israel. We know what befell the people of God in the captivity of Babylon, where they wanted their sacrifices seventy years. We know what happened to St. Peter, who denied his Master, and what is wont daily to fall out among the faithful and chosen of God, which go astray and are full of infirmities. We know moreover what manner of churches the churches at Galatia and Corinth were in the apostles' times: in which the apostle Paul condemns divers great and heinous crimes; yet he calls them the holy churches of Christ (1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2).

Yes, and it falls out sometimes that God in His just judgment suffers the truth of His Word and the catholic faith and His own true worship to be so obscured and defaced, that the church seems almost quite razed out, and not so much as a face of a church remains; as we see fell out in the days of Elijah (1 Kings 19:10, 14) and at other times. And yet, in the meantime, the Lord has in this world, even in this darkness, His true worshippers, and those not a few, but even seven thousand (v. 18) and more (Rev. 7:4). For the apostle cries, "The foundation of the Lord standeth sure, and hath this seal, The Lord knoweth who are His" (2 Tim. 2:19). Whereupon the church of God may be termed invisible: not that the men whereof it consists are invisible; but because, being hidden from our sight, and known only unto God, it cannot be discerned by the judgment of man.

Again not all that are reckoned in the number of the church are saints, and lively and true members of the church. For there are many hypocrites which outwardly hear the Word of God and publicly receive the sacraments, and seem to pray unto God alone through Christ, to confess Christ to be their only righteousness, and to worship God, and to exercise the duties of charity to the brethren, and for a while through patience to endure in troubles and calamities. And yet they are altogether destitute of the inward illumination of the Spirit of God, of faith and sincerity of heart, and of perseverance or continuance to the end. And these men are for the most part at the length laid open what they are. For the apostle John says, "They went out from among us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would have tarried with us" (1 John 2:19). Yet these men, while they pretend religion, are accounted to be in the church, however indeed they are not of the church. Even as traitors in a commonwealth, before they are detected are counted in the number of good citizens; and as the cockle and darnel and chaff are found among the wheat; and as tumors and swellings are in a perfect body, when they are rather diseases and deformities than true members of the body. And, therefore, the church is very well compared to a dragnet which draws up fish of all sorts, and to a field wherein is found both darnel and good corn (Matt. 13:25–26). We are to have a special regard that we judge not rashly before the time, nor go about to exclude and cast off or cut away those whom the Lord would not have excluded nor cut off, or whom, without some damage to the church, we cannot separate from it. Again, we must be very vigilant lest the godly falling fast asleep, the wicked grow stronger and do some mischief to the church.

Furthermore we teach, that it is carefully to be marked wherein especially the truth and unity of the church consists, lest we either rashly breed or nourish schisms in the church. It consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but rather in the truth and unity of the catholic faith. This catholic faith is not taught us by the ordinances or laws of men, but by the Holy Scriptures, a compendious and short sum whereof is the Apostles' Creed. And, therefore, we read in the ancient writers that there were manifold diversities of ceremonies, but that those were always free; neither did any man think that the unity of the church was thereby broken or dissolved. We say then that the true unity of the church consists in several points of doctrine: in the true and uniform preaching of the gospel, and in such rites as the Lord Himself has expressly set down; and here we urge that saying of the apostle very earnestly, "As many of us, therefore, as are perfect, let us be thus minded. If any man think otherwise, the Lord shall reveal the same unto him. And yet in that whereunto we have attained, let us follow one direction, and all of us be like affected one towards another" (Phil. 3:15–16).

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Tim. 2:4

    1 Tim. 2:4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

  • Eph. 2:19

    Eph. 2:19 So then, you⁺ are no longer strangers and aliens, but you⁺ are fellow citizens of the saints and of the household of God,

  • 1 Cor. 6:11

    1 Cor. 6:11 And some [of] you⁺ were these. But you⁺ were washed, but you⁺ were sanctified, but you⁺ were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

  • 1 Tim. 2:5

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • 2 Cor. 6:16

    2 Cor. 6:16 And what agreement [has] the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them, and I will walk among [them], and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    1 Peter 2:5 you yourselves also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house into a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

  • Matt. 16:18

    Matt. 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

  • Heb. 12:28

    Heb. 12:28 Therefore, receiving an unshakable kingdom, we may have grace, by which we may serve God well pleasingly, with reverence and awe.

  • 1 Cor. 3:11

    1 Cor. 3:11 For no one is able to lay another foundation besides the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

  • 1 Tim. 3:15

    1 Tim. 3:15 but if I should delay, so that you may know how it is necessary to conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.

  • 2 Cor. 11:2

    2 Cor. 11:2 For I am jealous [as to] you⁺ with the jealousy of God. For I betrothed you⁺ to one husband, to present a pure virgin to Christ.

  • Song 4:8

    Song 4:8 Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, with me from Lebanon! Descend from the top of Amana, from the top of Senir and Hermon, from the dens of the lions, from the mountains of the leopards.

  • Song 5:16

    Song 5:16 His mouth [is] sweetness, and all of him [is] desireable. This [is] my beloved, and this [is] my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem!

  • Ezek. 34:22–23 and John 10:16

    Ezek. 34:22–23 22 I will bring salvation to My flock, and will they be no longer for prey; and I will judge between a sheep and a sheep. 23 And I will raise up over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them—He will feed them and he will be unto them as shepherd.

    John 10:16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd.

  • Col. 1:24

    Col. 1:24 Now I rejoice in the sufferings for you⁺, and I am filling up that which is lacking of the tribulations of Christ in my flesh for His body, which is the church,

  • Col. 1:18

    Col. 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, firstborn out from the dead, so that He might be having preeminence in all things,

  • Eph. 5:23

    Eph. 5:23 for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ [is] the head of the church, He Himself Savior of the body.

  • Eph. 1:22–23

    Eph. 1:22–23 22 And He subjected all things under His feet and gave Him [to be] head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of the One filling all in all.

  • Eph. 4:15–16

    Eph. 4:15–16 15 But speaking the truth in love, we should grow in all things into Him who is the head, Christ, 16 from whom all the body, being fit together and being knit together by every joint of [its] supply, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.

  • 2 Peter 2:1

    2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, as also among you⁺ there will be false teachers who will stealthily introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master having bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.

  • Acts 20:29; 2 Cor. 11:13; 2 Thess. 2:8–9

    Acts 20:29 I have known that after my departure, grievous wolves will come in among you⁺, not sparing the flock,

    2 Cor. 11:13 For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

    2 Thess. 2:8–9 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and will annul by the appearing of His coming, 9 whose coming is according to the working of Satan, in every power and in signs and in wonders of falsehood,

  • 1 Cor. 14:33

    1 Cor. 14:33 For He is not the God of disorder, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

  • 1 Cor. 3:3–4

    1 Cor. 3:3–4 3 for you⁺ are still fleshly. For where jealousy and strife [are] among you⁺, are you⁺ not fleshly and walking according to man? 4 For when one may say, “I am indeed of Paul,” and another, “I of Apollos,” are you⁺ not men?

  • Gal. 2:11

    Gal. 2:11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed [him] to his face because he was standing condemned.

  • Acts 15:39

    Acts 15:39 Therefore a sharp disagreement arose, so that they separated from one another. And Barnabas, having taken Mark, sailed to Cyprus.

  • 1 Cor. 11:19

    1 Cor. 11:19 For also it is necessary for there to be factions among you⁺, so that also the ones approved should become evident among you⁺.

  • John 10:5, 27–28

    John 10:5, 27–28 5 But they will never follow a stranger, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 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.

  • 1 Cor. 11:23

    1 Cor. 11:23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread,

  • 1 Cor. 10:14; 1 John 5:21

    1 Cor. 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

    1 John 5:21 Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

  • Rev. 18:4; 2 Cor. 6:17

    Rev. 18:4 And I heard another voice out of heaven saying: “Come forth out of her, My people, so that you⁺ may not share together in her sins, and so that you⁺ may not receive of her plagues.

    2 Cor. 6:17 “Therefore come out from their midst and be separate, says the Lord, and touch no unclean [thing], and I will receive you⁺.”

  • 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2

    1 Cor. 1:2 To the church of God being in Corinth, having been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those in every place calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, theirs and ours:

    Gal. 1:2 and all the brothers with me, To the churches of Galatia:

  • 1 Kings 19:10, 14

    1 Kings 19:10, 14 10 And he said, “I have been extremely zealous for YHWH, God of Hosts. For the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant; they have torn down Your altars and have killed Your prophets with the sword, and I am left alone, and they are seeking my life, to take it.” 14 And he said, “I have been extremely zealous for YHWH, God of Hosts, for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant. They have torn down Your altars and have killed Your prophets with the sword. And I am left alone, and they are seeking my life to take it.”

  • Rev. 7:4

    Rev. 7:4 And I heard the number of those having been sealed, a hundred forty-four thousand having been sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel:

  • 2 Tim. 2:19

    2 Tim. 2:19 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.”

  • 1 John 2:19

    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.

  • Matt. 13:25–26

    Matt. 13:25–26 25 And while the men are sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds in the midst of the wheat, and went away. 26 And when the plants sprouted and produced fruit, then the weeds also appeared.

  • Phil. 3:15–16

    Phil. 3:15–16 15 Therefore as many as [are] mature, we should be of this mind. And if you⁺ are minded [in] anything differently, even this God will reveal to you⁺. 16 However, to that which we have attained, walk by the same.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 26: Of the Church9 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church9 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 545 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree5 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints

1. Those whom God hath accepted in the Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, and given the precious faith of his elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved, seeing the gifts and callings of God are without repentance (whence he still begets and nourishes in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of the Spirit unto immortality); and though many storms and floods arise and beat against them, yet they shall never be able to take them off that foundation and rock which by faith they are fastened upon: notwithstanding, through unbelief and the temptations of Satan, the sensible sight of the light and love of God, may for a time be clouded, and obscured from them, yet he is still the same, and they shall be sure to be kept by the power of God unto salvation, where they shall enjoy their purchased possession, they being engraven upon the palms of his hands, and their names having been written in the book of life from all eternity.

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 intercessions of Jesus Christ and union with him, the oath of God, the abiding of his Spirit, and 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. And though they may, through the temptation of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins, and for a time continue therein; whereby they incur God's displeasure, and grieve his Holy Spirit, come to have their graces and comforts impaired, have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded, hurt and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgments upon themselves: yet they shall renew their repentance and be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end.

Scripture proofs
  • John 10:28–29; Phil. 1:6; 2 Tim. 2:19; 1 John 2:19.

    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.

    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 Tim. 2:19 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.”

    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.

  • 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.

  • Mal. 3:6.

    Mal. 3:6 “For I, YHWH, do not change; and you⁺, sons of Jacob, have not been consumed.

  • Rom. 8:30; Rom. 9:11, 16.

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    Rom. 9:11, 16 11 for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand— 16 So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy.

  • Rom. 5:9–10; John 14:19.

    Rom. 5:9–10 9 Therefore much more, having been justified now by His blood, we will be saved by Him from wrath! 10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life!

    John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more, but you⁺ see Me. Because I live, you⁺ also will live.

  • Heb. 6:17–18.

    Heb. 6:17–18 17 in which God, willing to show more abundantly the unchangeableness of His purpose to the heirs of the promise, guaranteed [it] by an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which [it is] impossible [for] God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, having fled for refuge to take hold of the hope being set before [us],

  • 1 John 3:9.

    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.

    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.

  • Matt. 26:70, 72, 74.

    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.

  • Isa. 64:5, 9; Eph. 4:30.

    Isa. 64:5, 9 5 You meet the one rejoicing and doing righteousness; in Your ways they remember You. Behold, You were angry, and we had sinned; in them is continuance, then will we be saved? 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 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you⁺ were sealed for the day of redemption.

  • Ps. 51:10, 12.

    Ps. 51:10, 12 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.

  • Ps. 32:3–4.

    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

  • 2 Sam. 12:14.

    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.”

  • Luke 22:32, 61–62.

    Luke 22:32, 61–62 32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 61 And having turned, the Lord looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” 62 And having gone forth outside, he wept bitterly.

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