Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

Perseverance

17 passages across 6 documents address Perseverance. The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. Definition and Historical Confession of Perseverance

"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." "The Reformed or Calvinistic Churches stand practically alone in giving a negative answer to the question, whether a Christian can completely fall from the state of grace and be finally lost." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"In contrast, Augustine came to the confession of the perseverantia sanctorum; but because he considered uncertainty and fear with respect to salvation in believers salutary, he taught that those regenerated by baptism could again lose the grace which they had received, but, if they belonged to the number of the praedestinati, in any case received it back before death; believers could thus lose grace totaliter but the elect could not finaliter lose grace. In the Catholic and Roman church, earlier and later many agreed with him; but nevertheless this doctrine has been maintained only by the Reformed and connected with the certitudo fidei" [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3]

"The doctrine of perseverance requires careful statement, especially in view of the fact that the term “perseverance of the saints” is liable to misunderstanding. It should be noted first of all that the doctrine is not merely to the effect that the elect will certainly be saved in the end, though Augustine has given it that form, but teaches very specifically that they who have once been regenerated and effectually called by God to a state of grace, can never completely fall from that state and thus fail to attain to eternal salvation, though they may sometimes be overcome by evil and fall in sin." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"The perseverantia is not an act of man but it is a gift of God." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3]

"It is, strictly speaking, not man but God who perseveres. 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 . It is because God never forsakes His work that believers continue to stand to the very end." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

II. The Eternal Foundation: Election, Decree, and Divine Love

"It is evident that God's children cannot be finally disinherited, by virtue of the eternal decree of heaven. God's decree is the very pillar and basis on which the saints' perseverance depends." "Predestination is nothing else but God's decreeing a certain number to be heirs of glory, on whom he will settle the crown of heaven; for whom he predestinates, he glorifies." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"We should be certain of our final perseverance; for it is said: "Being justified by faith we have peace with God." "I give unto them eternal life," which could not be said if there were any doubt or uncertainty in regard to it, so that it might be lost. "The gifts and callings of God are without repentance." "Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hands." "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (Rom. 5:1. John 10:28 Rom. 11:20. Phil. 1:6. 2. Tim. 1:12.)"

"He that believes knows that he does believe, which assurance is based upon these solid arguments: 1. God, who is the author of everlasting life is unchangeable. 2. The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, "The Lord knoweth them that are his." (2. Tim. 2:19.) 3. Christ is heard in all those things, which he asks of the Father. Now one thing for which he prays, is that the Father would keep all those whom he has given him. 4. God will not have us to ask of him things necessary for our salvation conditionally, but positively, because he has promised it." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Perseverance, he teaches us, is due to the purpose of God, to the work of Christ, to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and to the primal source of all, the infinite, mysterious, and immutable love of God. We do not keep ourselves; we are kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation. (1 Peter 1:5.)"

"The sixth argument of the Apostle is that, as the love of God is infinitely great and altogether gratuitous, it is also immutable, and, therefore, believers shall certainly be saved. Hence the conclusion, "I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."" [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

III. The Federal and Christological Assurances

"Besides God's decree, he has engaged himself by promise , that the heirs of heaven shall never be put out of their inheritance. His promises are not like blanks in a lottery—but as a sealed deed which cannot be reversed; they are the saints' royal charter; and one promise is, that their heavenly Father will not disinherit them." "A child of God cannot fall away while he is held fast in these two arms of God—his love , and his faithfulness ." "Jesus Christ undertakes that all God's children by adoption, shall be preserved in a state of grace until they inherit glory."

"He prays that every saint may hold out in grace—until he comes to heaven. Can the children of such prayers perish? 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]

"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." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"With the Reformed the doctrine of perseverance was a wholly different one; it was a gift of God; He watches and cares that the work of grace may have progress and completion; but He does this not apart from the believers but through them. He gives in regeneration and faith a grace which also in itself bears an inlosable character; He bestows a life which by nature is eternal; He grants benefits of calling, justification, glorification, which hang together mutually unbreakably." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3]

IV. The Inward Operation of the Spirit and the Indwelling Seed

"God, therefore, begins the good work in us by exciting in our hearts a desire, a love, and a study of righteousness, or (to speak more correctly) by turning, training, and guiding our hearts unto righteousness; and he completes this good work by confirming us unto perseverance."

"Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him" (I John 3: 9.) 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]

"The perseverantia is not an act of man but it is a gift of God." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3]

"As to perseverance, it would undoubtedly have been regarded as the gratuitous gift of God, had not the very pernicious error prevailed, that it is bestowed in proportion to human merit, according to the reception which each individual gives to the first grace."

"Perseverance is the gift of God, which he does not lavish promiscuously on all, but imparts to whom he pleases. If it is asked how the difference arises - why some steadily persevere, and others prove deficient in steadfastness, we can give no other reason than that the Lord, by his mighty power, strengthens and sustains the former, so that they perish not, while he does not furnish the same assistance to the latter, but leaves them to be monuments of instability."

V. Temptation, Warfare, and the Imperfection of the Flesh

"But as the promise of bruising Satan's head (Gen. 3:15) applies alike to Christ and to all his members, I deny that believers can ever be oppressed or vanquished by him. 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."

"For there is no where such a fear of God as can give full security, and the saints are always conscious that any integrity which they may possess is mingled with many remains of the flesh."

"The same thing is briefly but elegantly expressed by Augustine when he says, "I do not say to the Lord, Despise not the works of my hands; I have sought the Lord with my hands, and have not been deceived. But I commend not the works of my hands, for I fear that when thou examinest them thou wilt find more faults than merits. This only I say, this asks this desire, Despise not the works of thy hands. See in me thy work, not mine. If thou sees mine, thou condemnest; if thou sees thine own, thou crownest. Whatever good works I have are of thee," (August. in Ps. 137). He gives two reasons for not venturing to boast of his works before God: first, that if he has any good works, he does not see in them any thing of his own; and, secondly, that these works are overwhelmed by a multitude of sins." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"Whatever apostasy therefore may take place under Christendom, it may never cause us to doubt the immutability of God, the firmness of his counsel, the unbreakableness of his covenant, the faithfulness of his promises. One must rather let every creature go than that one should not trust in his word. And that word is one rich promise for the heirs of the kingdom. There are not a few texts that teach perseverance; the whole gospel bears and confirms it." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3]

VI. The Instrumental Use of Exhortations, Warnings, and Means

"But it is said, "Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall." (1 Cor. 10:12.) Therefore God does not promise perseverance, but makes our salvation dependent upon ourselves, which is to make it doubtful. Ans. There is here a fallacy in regarding that a cause which is none; for God, by this exhortation, wishes to nourish, to preserve and perfect the salvation of believers by urging them to their duty, and not to commit their perseverance to their own strength and will."

"Wherefore, if we now truly believe, we ought certainly to rest assured that God will also preserve us in time to come; 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."

"Saul was not a truly pious man, but a hypocrite. Hence we deny the minor proposition. And if it is said by way of objection that he had the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we reply that he had only such gifts as are common both to the godly and ungodly; but he had not the gift of regeneration and adoption which is peculiar to the godly."

"The doctrine of perseverance, and of the certainty of our salvation, produces security. Ans. It produces by itself a spiritual security in the elect, and a carnal security in the reprobate by accident." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"All the above-mentioned exhortations and threats, which Scripture addresses to believers, therefore also prove nothing against the doctrine of perseverance. They are precisely the way in which God Himself through the believers confirms His promise and gift; they are the means by which perseverance is realized in life." "Perseverance too is not compulsion but, as a gift of God, works in a spiritual way upon man. God wills precisely in a moral way, through exhortation and warning, to lead the believer to heavenly salvation and makes him himself willing, through the grace of the H. Spirit, to persevere in faith and in love." "The certainty of the outcome does not make the means superfluous, but in God’s ordinance is bound to it unbreakably." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3]

"This perseverance in holiness is secured partly by the inward secret influence of the Spirit, and partly by all the means adapted to secure that end—instructions, admonitions, exhortations, warnings, the means of grace, and the dispensations of his providence. Having, through love, determined on the end, He has determined on the means for its accomplishment." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"God's children have a holy fear which keeps them from self-security and wantonness; they believe the promise , therefore they rejoice in hope; they fear their hearts , therefore they watch and pray." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

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Canons of Dort

First Head: Rejection of the Errors

Having set forth the orthodox teaching concerning election and reprobation, the Synod rejects the errors of those

Error I.

Who teach that the will of God to save those who would believe and persevere in faith and in the obedience of faith is the whole and entire decision of election to salvation, and that nothing else concerning this decision has been revealed in God's Word.

For they deceive the simple and plainly contradict Holy Scripture in its testimony that God does not only wish to save those who would believe, but that he has also from eternity chosen certain particular people to whom, rather than to others, he would within time grant faith in Christ and perseverance. As Scripture says, "I have revealed your name to those whom you gave me" (John 17:6). Likewise, "All who were appointed for eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48), and "He chose us before the foundation of the world so that we should be holy" (Eph. 1:4).

Error II.

Who teach that God's election to eternal life is of many kinds: one general and indefinite, the other particular and definite; and the latter in turn either incomplete, revocable, nonperemptory (or conditional), or else complete, irrevocable, and peremptory (or absolute). Likewise, who teach that there is one election to faith and another to salvation, so that there can be an election to justifying faith apart from a peremptory election to salvation.

For this is an invention of the human brain, devised apart from the Scriptures, which distorts the teaching concerning election and breaks up this golden chain of salvation: "Those whom he predestined, he also called; and those whom he called, he also justified; and those whom he justified, he also glorified" (Rom. 8:30).

Error III.

Who teach that God's good pleasure and purpose, which Scripture mentions in its teaching of election, does not involve God's choosing certain particular people rather than others, but involves God's choosing, out of all possible conditions (including the works of the law) or out of the whole order of things, the intrinsically unworthy act of faith, as well as the imperfect obedience of faith, to be a condition of salvation; and it involves his graciously wishing to count this as perfect obedience and to look upon it as worthy of the reward of eternal life.

For by this pernicious error the good pleasure of God and the merit of Christ are robbed of their effectiveness and people are drawn away, by unprofitable inquiries, from the truth of undeserved justification and from the simplicity of the Scriptures. It also gives the lie to these words of the apostle: "God called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of works, but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time" (2 Tim. 1:9).

Error IV.

Who teach that in election to faith a prerequisite condition is that man should rightly use the light of nature, be upright, unassuming, humble, and disposed to eternal life, as though election depended to some extent on these factors.

For this smacks of Pelagius, and it clearly calls into question the words of the apostle: "We lived at one time in the passions of our flesh, following the will of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in transgressions, made us alive with Christ, by whose grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with him and seated us with him in heaven in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages we might show the surpassing riches of his grace, according to his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith (and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God) not by works, so that no one can boast" (Eph. 2:3–9).

Error V.

Who teach that the incomplete and nonperemptory election of particular persons to salvation occurred on the basis of a foreseen faith, repentance, holiness, and godliness, which has just begun or continued for some time; but that complete and peremptory election occurred on the basis of a foreseen perseverance to the end in faith, repentance, holiness, and godliness. And that this is the gracious and evangelical worthiness, on account of which the one who is chosen is more worthy than the one who is not chosen. And therefore that faith, the obedience of faith, holiness, godliness, and perseverance are not fruits or effects of an unchangeable election to glory, but indispensable conditions and causes, which are prerequisite in those who are to be chosen in the complete election, and which are foreseen as achieved in them.

This runs counter to the entire Scripture, which throughout impresses upon our ears and hearts these sayings among others: "Election is not by works, but by him who calls" (Rom. 9:11–12); "All who were appointed for eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48); "He chose us in himself so that we should be holy" (Eph. 1:4); "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16); "If by grace, not by works" (Rom. 11:6); "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son" (1 John 4:10).

Error VI.

Who teach that not every election to salvation is unchangeable, but that some of the chosen can perish and do in fact perish eternally, with no decision of God to prevent it.

By this gross error they make God changeable, destroy the comfort of the godly concerning the steadfastness of their election, and contradict the Holy Scriptures, which teach that "the elect cannot be led astray" (Matt. 24:24), that "Christ does not lose those given to him by the Father" (John 6:39), and that "those whom God predestined, called, and justified, he also glorifies" (Rom. 8:30).

Error VII.

Who teach that in this life there is no fruit, no awareness, and no assurance of one's unchangeable election to glory, except as conditional upon something changeable and contingent.

For not only is it absurd to speak of an uncertain assurance, but these things also militate against the experience of the saints, who with the apostle rejoice from an awareness of their election and sing the praises of this gift of God; who, as Christ urged, "rejoice" with his disciples "that their names have been written in heaven" (Luke 10:20); and finally who hold up against the flaming arrows of the devil's temptations the awareness of their election, with the question "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?" (Rom. 8:33).

Error VIII.

Who teach that it was not on the basis of his just will alone that God decided to leave anyone in the fall of Adam and in the common state of sin and condemnation or to pass anyone by in the imparting of grace necessary for faith and conversion.

For these words stand fast: "He has mercy on whom he wishes, and he hardens whom he wishes" (Rom. 9:18). And also: "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given" (Matt. 13:11). Likewise: "I give glory to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and have revealed them to little children; yes, Father, because that was your pleasure" (Matt. 11:25–26).

Error IX.

Who teach that the cause for God's sending the gospel to one people rather than to another is not merely and solely God's good pleasure, but rather that one people is better and worthier than the other to whom the gospel is not communicated.

For Moses contradicts this when he addresses the people of Israel as follows: "Behold, to Jehovah your God belong the heavens and the highest heavens, the earth and whatever is in it. But Jehovah was inclined in his affection to love your ancestors alone, and chose out their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as at this day" (Deut. 10:14–15). And also Christ: "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! for if those mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes" (Matt. 11:21).

Scripture proofs
  • John 17:6

    John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.

  • Acts 13:48

    Acts 13:48 And the Gentiles hearing were rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

  • 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

  • Rom. 8:30

    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.

  • 2 Tim. 1:9

    2 Tim. 1:9 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,

  • Eph. 2:3–9

    Eph. 2:3–9 3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His much love with which He loved us, 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 6 and He raised [us] up together and seated [us] together in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

  • Rom. 9:11–12

    Rom. 9:11–12 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— 12 not of works but of the One calling, it was said to her, “The greater will serve the lesser.”

  • John 15:16

    John 15:16 You⁺ did not choose Me, but I chose you⁺, and I appointed you⁺ so that you⁺ should go and bear fruit, and [that] your⁺ fruit should remain, so that whatever you⁺ might ask the Father in My name, He may give you⁺.

  • Rom. 11:6

    Rom. 11:6 and if by grace, no longer out of works; otherwise grace no longer is grace.

  • 1 John 4:10

    1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son [as] a propitiation for our sins.

  • Matt. 24:24

    Matt. 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen.

  • John 6:39

    John 6:39 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.

  • Luke 10:20

    Luke 10:20 But do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you⁺; but rejoice that your⁺ names have been written in the heavens.”

  • Rom. 8:33

    Rom. 8:33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying.

  • Rom. 9:18

    Rom. 9:18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.

  • Matt. 13:11

    Matt. 13:11 And answering, He said to them, “Because to you⁺ it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but to these it has not been given.

  • Matt. 11:25–26

    Matt. 11:25–26 25 In that time, answering, Jesus said, “I acknowledge You, Father, Lord of the heaven and of the earth, because You hid these things from the wise and intelligent, and You revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, because of this it was good pleasure before You.

  • Deut. 10:14–15

    Deut. 10:14–15 14 Behold, unto YHWH your God [are] the heavens and the heavens of the heavens, the earth and all that [is] in it. 15 Yet in your fathers YHWH delighted to love them, and He chose their seed after them, you⁺, above all peoples, as [it is] this day.

  • Matt. 11:21

    Matt. 11:21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles having happened in you⁺ had happened in Tyre and Sidon, long ago in sackcloth and ashes they would have repented.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree14 shared proof texts · 12 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling11 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared proof texts · 11 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling7 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 677 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 7 shared topics
Canons of Dort

Fifth Head, Article 4: The Danger of True Believers' Falling into Serious Sins

Although that power of God strengthening and preserving true believers in grace is more than a match for the flesh, yet those converted are not always so activated and motivated by God that in certain specific actions they cannot by their own fault depart from the leading of grace, be led astray by the desires of the flesh, and give in to them. For this reason they must constantly watch and pray that they may not be led into temptations. When they fail to do this, not only can they be carried away by the flesh, the world, and Satan into sins, even serious and outrageous ones, but also by God's just permission they sometimes are so carried away—witness the sad cases, described in Scripture, of David, Peter, and other saints falling into sins.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 794 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared topicsScots Confession · Chapter VIII: Election3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 13: Of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: Also of Promises; of the Spirit and of the Letter3 shared topics
Canons of Dort

Fifth Head, Article 7: Renewal to Repentance

For, in the first place, God preserves in those saints when they fall his imperishable seed from which they have been born again, lest it perish or be dislodged. Secondly, by his Word and Spirit he certainly and effectively renews them to repentance so that they have a heartfelt and godly sorrow for the sins they have committed; seek and obtain, through faith and with a contrite heart, forgiveness in the blood of the Mediator; experience again the grace of a reconciled God; through faith adore his mercies; and from then on more eagerly work out their own salvation with fear and trembling.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 20: Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man4 shared topicsThe Cambridge Declaration · Solus Christus: The Erosion of Christ-Centered Faith4 shared topicsThe Cambridge Declaration · Sola Gratia: The Erosion of The Gospel4 shared topics
Canons of Dort

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
Canons of Dort

Fifth Head, Article 11: Doubts concerning This Assurance

Meanwhile, Scripture testifies that believers have to contend in this life with various doubts of the flesh and that under severe temptation they do not always experience this full assurance of faith and certainty of perseverance. But God, the Father of all comfort, "does not let them be tempted beyond what they can bear, but with the temptation he also provides a way out" (1 Cor. 10:13), and by the Holy Spirit revives in them the assurance of their perseverance.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 10:13

    1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you⁺ except [what is] human. And faithful [is] God, who will not allow you⁺ to be tempted beyond what you⁺ are able, but He will also provide with the temptation the escape, to be able to bear up under [it].

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1271 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1951 shared proof text · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 941 shared proof textWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1061 shared proof textWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 803 shared topics
Canons of Dort

Fifth Head, Article 12: This Assurance as an Incentive to Godliness

This assurance of perseverance, however, so far from making true believers proud and carnally self-assured, is rather the true root of humility, of childlike respect, of genuine godliness, of endurance in every conflict, of fervent prayers, of steadfastness in crossbearing and in confessing the truth, and of well-founded joy in God. Reflecting on this benefit provides an incentive to a serious and continual practice of thanksgiving and good works, as is evident from the testimonies of Scripture and the examples of the saints.

Parallel passages (2)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 363 shared topics
Canons of Dort

Fifth Head, Article 13: Assurance No Inducement to Carelessness

Neither does the renewed confidence of perseverance produce immorality or lack of concern for godliness in those put back on their feet after a fall, but it produces a much greater concern to observe carefully the ways of the Lord which he prepared in advance. They observe these ways in order that by walking in them they may maintain the assurance of their perseverance, lest, by their abuse of his fatherly goodness, the face of the gracious God (for the godly, looking upon his face is sweeter than life, but its withdrawal is more bitter than death) turn away from them again, with the result that they fall into greater anguish of spirit.

Canons of Dort

Fifth Head, Article 14: God's Use of Means in Perseverance

And, just as it has pleased God to begin this work of grace in us by the proclamation of the gospel, so he preserves, continues, and completes his work by the hearing and reading of the gospel, by meditation on it, by its exhortations, threats, and promises, and also by the use of the sacraments.

Parallel passages (6)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 193 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 213 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 653 shared topicsScots Confession · Preface3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God3 shared topicsScots Confession · Chapter XIV: What Works Are Reputed Good before God3 shared topics
Canons of Dort

Fifth Head, Article 15: Contrasting Reactions to the Teaching of Perseverance

This teaching about the perseverance of true believers and saints, and about their assurance of it—a teaching which God has very richly revealed in his Word for the glory of his name and for the comfort of the godly and which he impresses on the hearts of believers—is something which the flesh does not understand, Satan hates, the world ridicules, the ignorant and the hypocrites abuse, and the spirits of error attack. The bride of Christ, on the other hand, has always loved this teaching very tenderly and defended it steadfastly as a priceless treasure; and God, against whom no plan can avail and no strength can prevail, will ensure that she will continue to do this. To this God alone, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever. Amen.

Parallel passages (6+)Belgic Confession · Article 23: The Justification of Sinners3 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 803 shared topics
Canons of Dort

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

    John 17 on BibleHub ↗

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Westminster Confession of Faith

Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints

1. They, whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called, and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved.

2. This perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father; upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ, the abiding of the Spirit, and of the seed of God within them, and the nature of the covenant of grace: from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof.

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

Scripture proofs
  • Phil. 1:6; 2 Peter 1:10; Rom. 8:28–30; John 10:28–29; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 5:18; 1 Peter 1:5, 9.

    Phil. 1:6 being persuaded of this very thing, that the One having begun a good work in you⁺ will complete [it] until the day of Christ Jesus.

    2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent, rather, to make your⁺ calling and election sure. For [in] doing these things, never at any time shall you⁺ stumble.

    Rom. 8:28–30 28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose, 29 because whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers. 30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    John 10:28–29 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the hand of the Father.

    1 John 3:9 Everyone having been born of God does not do sin, because His seed remains in him, and he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God.

    1 John 5:18 We know that everyone having been born of God does not sin, but the One having been begotten of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.

    1 Peter 1:5, 9 5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 9 receiving the outcome of your⁺ faith, the salvation of [your] souls.

  • Ps. 89:3–4, 28–33; 2 Tim. 2:18–19; Jer. 31:3.

    Ps. 89:3–4, 28–33 3 “I have cut a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant: 4 ‘Even to forever I will establish Your seed, and build up for generation and generation your throne.’” Selah 28 Forever I will keep for him My loving devotion, and My covenant will stand fast for him. 29 And I will establish His seed forever, and his throne like the days of the heavens. 30 If his sons should abandon My instruction, and do not walk in My ordinances, 31 if they violate My statutes, and do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will attend [to] their transgression with the rod, and [to] their iniquity with stripes. 33 And I will not break off My loving devotion from him, and I will not be false in My faithfulness.

    2 Tim. 2:18–19 18 who missed the mark concerning the truth, saying the resurrection already to have happened; and they are overturning the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

    Jer. 31:3 YHWH has appeared to me from afar: “I have loved you [with] an everlasting love; upon thus I have drawn you with loving devotion.

  • Heb. 10:10, 14; Heb. 13:20–21; Heb. 9:12–15; Rom. 8:33–39; John 17:11, 24; Luke 22:32; Heb. 7:25.

    Heb. 10:10, 14 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    Heb. 13:20–21 20 Now [may] the God of peace, the One having brought up out from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you⁺ in everything good in order to do His will, doing in us that which [is] well pleasing before Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom [be] the glory to the ages of the ages. Amen.

    Heb. 9:12–15 12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through [His] own blood, He entered once for all into the holy [places], having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and of bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the ones having been defiled sanctify [them] for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God! 15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

    Rom. 8:33–39 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it has been written: “For Your sake we face death all the day; we were reckoned as sheep of slaughter.” 37 But in all these things we are more than conquerors through the One having loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things about to be, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God that [is] in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    John 17:11, 24 11 And I am no longer in the world, and they are themselves in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, which You have given to Me, so that they may be one as We [are]. 24 Father, [those] whom You have given to Me, I want that they also may be with Me where I am, so that they may behold My glory that You have given to Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

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

    Heb. 7:25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

  • John 14:16–17; 1 John 2:27; 1 John 3:9.

    John 14:16–17 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you⁺ another Advocate so that He may be with you⁺ to the age— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world is not able to receive, because it does not see Him, nor does it know [Him]. But you⁺ know Him, for He abides with you⁺ and will be in you⁺.

    1 John 2:27 And you⁺, the anointing that you⁺ received from Him remains in you⁺, and you⁺ have no need that anyone should teach you⁺. But as the same anointing teaches you⁺ concerning all things and is true and is not a lie, and just as it taught you⁺, remain in Him.

    1 John 3:9 Everyone having been born of God does not do sin, because His seed remains in him, and he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God.

  • Jer. 32:40; Ps. 89:34–37. (See Jer. 31:31–34.)

    Jer. 32:40 And I will make with them a covenant forever, that I will not turn away from them My doing good, and My fear I will put in their hearts, and that they will not turn aside from Me.

    Ps. 89:34–37 34 I will not violate My covenant, and a declaration of My lips I will not change. 35 Once I have sworn by My holiness—I will not lie to David— 36 His seed shall be forever, and his throne like the sun before Me. 37 Like the moon It will be established forever, even [as] the faithful witness in the sky.” Selah

    Jer. 31:31–34 31 Behold, the days are coming, a declaration of YHWH, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, in that they broke My covenant, and I was a husband to them, a declaration of YHWH. 33 “For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, a declaration of YHWH: I will give My law in their inward parts, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. 34 And they will teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know YHWH; for all of them will know Me, from the least of them and to the greatest of them, a declaration of YHWH. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

  • John 6:38–40; John 10:28; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 John 2:19.

    John 6:38–40 38 For I have come down from heaven, not so that I may do My will, but the will of the One having sent Me. 39 Now this is the will of the One having sent Me, that all that He has given Me, I should lose none of it, but I will raise it up in the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone beholding the Son and believing in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day.”

    John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

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

    1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [it is] so that it might be made manifest that they are not all of us.

  • Ex. 32:21; Jonah 1:3, 10; Ps. 51:14; Matt. 26:70, 72, 74.

    Ex. 32:21 And Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you, that you have brought upon them a great sin?”

    Jonah 1:3, 10 3 And Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish, away from the face of YHWH. And he went down [to] Joppa, and found a ship going [to] Tarshish, and he paid its fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish, away from the face of YHWH. 10 And the men feared with great fear, and they said to him: “What [is] this you have done?” For the men knew that he was fleeing away from the face of YHWH, because he had told them.

    Ps. 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation; my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.

    Matt. 26:70, 72, 74 70 And he denied [it] before all, saying, “I do not know what you say.” 72 And again he denied [it] with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 74 Then he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.

  • 2 Sam. 12:9, 13; Gal. 2:11–14.

    2 Sam. 12:9, 13 9 Why have you despised the commandment of YHWH to do evil in His sight? You have struck Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and his wife you have taken [to be] your wife, and him have killed with the sword of the sons of Ammon. 13 And David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against YHWH.” And Nathan said to David, “Even YHWH has put away your sin; you shall not die.

    Gal. 2:11–14 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed [him] to his face because he was standing condemned. 12 For before certain ones came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles. But when they came, he was drawing back and was separating himself, fearing those of the circumcision. 13 And also the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they are not walking in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before all, “If you, being a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how do you compel the Gentiles to Judaize?”

  • Num. 20:12; 2 Sam. 11:27; Isa. 64:7, 9.

    Num. 20:12 And YHWH said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you⁺ did not believe Me, to show My holiness in the eyes of the sons of Israel, therefore you⁺ shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

    2 Sam. 11:27 And her mourning was over, and David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore to him a son. And the thing that David had done was evil in the eyes of YHWH.

    Isa. 64:7, 9 7 And no one is calling on Your name, stirring himself up to take hold of You; for You have hidden Your face from us, and delivered us into the hand of our iniquities. 9 Do not be angry, O YHWH, beyond measure, and do not remember [our] iniquity forever! Behold, please, look; we [are] all Your people!

  • Eph. 4:30.

    Eph. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you⁺ were sealed for the day of redemption.

  • Ps. 51:8, 10, 12; Rev. 2:4; Matt. 26:75.

    Ps. 51:8, 10, 12 8 Make me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. 10 Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me [by a] willing spirit.

    Rev. 2:4 But I have against you that you abandoned your first love.

    Matt. 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, [He] having said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And having gone out, he wept bitterly.

  • Isa. 63:17.

    Isa. 63:17 Why do You let us stray O YHWH, from Your ways, [and] harden our hearts from fearing You? Return Your servants for the sake of the tribes of Your inheritance.

  • Ps. 32:3–4; Ps. 51:8.

    Ps. 32:3–4 3 When I remained silent, my bones were worn out by my groaning all the day. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my juice was overturned, [as] in the drought of summer. Selah

    Ps. 51:8 Make me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice.

  • Gen. 12:10–20; 2 Sam. 12:14; Gal. 2:13.

    Gen. 12:10–20 10 And there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine [was] severe in the land. 11 And it came to pass when he was close to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “Behold now, I know that you [are] a woman beautiful in appearance. 12 And it will come to pass when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This [is] his wife.’ And they will kill me, and you they will let live. 13 Say, please, you [are] my sister, so that it may go well with me for your sake, and my soul may live because of you.” 14 And it came to pass, when Abram entered Egypt, that the Egyptians saw the woman, that she [was] very beautiful. 15 And the princes of Pharaoh saw her, and they commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into the house of Pharaoh. 16 And Abram he treated well for her sake, and he had for himself sheep, and cattle, and male donkeys, and menservants, and maidservants, and female donkeys, and camels. 17 And YHWH plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of the matter [of] Sarai, wife of Abram. 18 And Pharaoh called to Abram and said, “What [is] this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she [was] your wife? 19 Why did you say, ‘She [is] my sister,’ so that I took her to myself as a wife? And now, behold, your wife; take [her] and go!” 20 And Pharaoh commanded [his] men concerning him, and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.

    2 Sam. 12:14 Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for [the word] of YHWH by this deed, also the son born to you will surely die.”

    Gal. 2:13 And also the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.

  • Ps. 89:31–32; 1 Cor. 11:32.

    Ps. 89:31–32 31 if they violate My statutes, and do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will attend [to] their transgression with the rod, and [to] their iniquity with stripes.

    1 Cor. 11:32 But being judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we should not be condemned with the world.

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
Westminster Shorter Catechism

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
Westminster Larger Catechism

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
Westminster Larger Catechism

Question 80

Q. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation?

A. Such as truly believe in Christ, and endeavor to walk in all good conscience before him, may, without extraordinary revelation, by faith grounded upon the truth of God's promises, and by the Spirit enabling them to discern in themselves those graces to which the promises of life are made, and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God, be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and shall persevere therein unto salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 John 2:3; Heb. 10:19–23.

    1 John 2:3 And by this we know that we have known Him, if we may keep His commandments.

    Heb. 10:19–23 19 Therefore, brothers, having confidence for entrance to the holy places in the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way, which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and [having] a great priest over the house of God, 22 we should come near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, the hearts having been sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and the body having been washed with pure water. 23 We should hold fast to the confession of [our] hope, unwavering; for the One having promised [is] faithful.

  • 1 Cor. 2:12; 1 John 3:14, 18–19, 21, 24; 1 John 4:13, 16; Heb. 6:11–12.

    1 Cor. 2:12 Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who [is] from God, so that we may know the [things] having been graciously given to us by God,

    1 John 3:14, 18–19, 21, 24 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love [our] brothers. The one not loving remains in death. 18 Little children, may we love not in word nor in tongue, but in work and in truth. 19 And in this we will know that we are of the truth, and we will assure our heart before Him, 21 Beloved, if our heart may not condemn [us], we have confidence toward God, 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 4:13, 16 13 In this we know that we remain in Him and He in us: because from out of His Spirit He has given to us. 16 And we have known and have believed the love that God has in us. God is love, and the one remaining in love remains in God, and God remains in him.

    Heb. 6:11–12 11 And we desire each of you⁺ to show the same diligence toward the full assurance of the hope until the end, 12 so that you⁺ may not be sluggish, but imitators of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises.

  • Rom. 8:15–16.

    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,

  • 1 John 5:13; Heb. 6:19–20. (See 2 Peter 1:5–11.)

    1 John 5:13 I wrote these things to you⁺, the ones believing in the name of the Son of God, so that you⁺ may know that you⁺ have eternal life.

    Heb. 6:19–20 19 which we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and firm and entering into that within the veil, 20 where Jesus, the forerunner for us, entered according to the order of Melchizedek, having become a high priest to the age.

    2 Peter 1:5–11 5 Now also for this very [reason], having brought in all diligence, supply in your⁺ faith virtue, and in virtue knowledge, 6 and in knowledge self-control, and in self-control perseverance, and in perseverance godliness, 7 and in godliness brotherly affection, and in brotherly affection love. 8 For these things being in you⁺ and abounding make [you] neither idle nor unfruitful in regard to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For in whomever these things are not present, he is blind, being shortsighted, having received forgetfulness of the cleansing [from] his former sins. 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. 11 For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you⁺.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation21 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation16 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 21: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics
Second Helvetic Confession

Chapter 21: Of the Holy Supper of the Lord

The Supper of the Lord (which is also called the Lord's Table, and the Eucharist, that is, a thanksgiving) is, therefore, commonly called a Supper because it was instituted of Christ in His last Supper, and as yet represents the same, and in it the faithful are spiritually fed and nourished. For the author of the Supper of the Lord is not an angel or man, but the very Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who first of all consecrated it to His church. And the same blessing and consecration still remains among all those who celebrate no other but that very Supper which the Lord instituted; and at that recite the words of the Supper of the Lord, and in all things look unto Christ only by a true faith; at whose hands, as it were, they receive that which they do receive by the ministry of the ministers of the church. The Lord by this sacred rite would have that great benefit to be kept in fresh remembrance which He performed for mankind; to wit, that by giving up His body to death and shedding His blood, He has forgiven us all our sins and redeemed us from eternal death and the power of the devil, and now feeds us with His flesh, and gives us His blood to drink: which things, being apprehended spiritually by a true faith, nourish us to life everlasting. And this so great a benefit is renewed so oft as the Supper is celebrated. For the Lord said, "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19).

By this holy Supper also it is sealed unto us that the very body of Christ was truly given up for us and His blood shed for the remission of our sins, lest our faith might somewhat waver. And this is outwardly represented unto us by the minister in the sacrament after a visible manner, and, as it were, laid before our eyes to be seen, which is inwardly in the soul invisibly performed by the Holy Ghost. Outwardly bread is offered by the minister and the words of the Lord are heard: "Receive, eat, this is my body; take it, and divide it amongst you: drink ye all of this, this is my blood" (Matt. 26:26–28; Luke 22:17–20). Therefore, the faithful receive that which is given by the minister of the Lord and eat the bread of the Lord, and drink of the Lord's cup. But yet, by the working of Christ, through the Holy Ghost, they receive also the flesh and blood of the Lord and feed on them to life everlasting. For the flesh and blood of Christ is true meat and drink unto everlasting life: yes Christ Himself, in that He was delivered for us, and is our Savior, is that special thing and substance of the Supper; and, therefore, we suffer nothing to be put in His place.

But that it may the better and more plainly be understood how the flesh and blood of Christ are the meat and drink of the faithful, and are received by the faithful to life everlasting, we will add moreover these four things.

Eating is of divers sorts: for there is a corporal eating, whereby meat is taken into a man's mouth, chewed with the teeth, and swallowed down into the belly. After this manner did the Capernaites in times past think that they should eat the flesh of the Lord: but they are confuted by Him (John 6:30–63). For as the flesh of Christ cannot be eaten bodily without great wickedness and cruelty, so is it not meat for the belly, as all men do confess. We, therefore, disapprove that canon in the pope's decrees, Ego Berengarius (De Consecrat., dist. 2). For neither did godly antiquity believe, neither yet do we believe that the body of Christ can be eaten corporally and essentially with a bodily mouth.

There is also a spiritual eating of Christ's body; not such a one whereby it may be thought that the very meat is changed into the spirit, but whereby (the Lord's body and blood remaining in their own essence and property) those things are spiritually communicated unto us, not after a corporal, but after a spiritual manner, through the Holy Ghost, who applies and bestows upon us those things (to wit, remission of sins, deliverance and life everlasting) which are prepared for us by the flesh and blood of our Lord, given for us: so that Christ now lives in us and we live in Him; and causes us to apprehend Him by true faith to this end, that He may become unto us such a spiritual meat and drink, that is to say, our life. For even as corporal meat and drink not only refresh and strengthen our bodies, but also keep them in life; even so the flesh of Christ delivered for us and His blood shed for us, do not only refresh and strengthen our souls, but also preserves them alive, not so far as they are corporally eaten and drunken, but so far as they are communicated unto us spiritually by the Spirit of God: the Lord saying, "The bread which I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world" (John 6:51); also "The flesh (to wit, corporally eaten) profiteth nothing, it is the Spirit which giveth life: and the words which I speak to you, are Spirit and life" (John 6:63).

And as we must by eating receive the meat into our bodies to the end that it may work in us and show its efficacy in us (because, while it is without us, it profits us not at all); even so it is necessary that we receive Christ by faith, that He may be made ours and that He may live in us and we in Him. For He says, "I am the bread of life; He that cometh to me shall not hunger, and He that believeth in me, shall not thirst any more" (John 6:35); and also, "He that eateth me, shall live through me; and He abideth in me, and I in him" (John 6:56).

By all which it appears manifestly that by spiritual meat we do not mean any imaginary thing, but the very body of our Lord Jesus given to us; which yet is received of the faithful not corporally, but spiritually by faith: in which point we do wholly follow the doctrine of our Lord and Savior Christ in the 6th of John. And this eating of the flesh and drinking of the blood of the Lord is so necessary to salvation that without it no man can be saved. This spiritual eating and drinking is also without the Supper of the Lord; even so often as and where ever a man believes in Christ. To which purpose that sentence of St. Augustine happily belongs: "Why dost thou prepare thy teeth and belly? Believe, and thou hast eaten."

Besides that former spiritual eating, there is a sacramental eating of the body of the Lord; whereby the faithful man not only is partaker spiritually and internally of the true body and blood of the Lord; but also by coming to the Table of the Lord outwardly receives the visible sacraments of the body and blood of the Lord. It is true that the faithful man, by believing, before received the food that gives life, and still receives the same, but yet, when he receives the sacrament, he receives something more. For he goes on in continual communication of the body and blood of the Lord, and his faith is daily more and more kindled, more strengthened and refreshed by the spiritual nourishment. For while we live, faith has continual increasings: and he that outwardly receives the sacraments with a true faith, the same not only receives the sign, but also enjoys (as we have said) the thing itself. Moreover the same man obeys the Lord's institution and commandment, and with a joyful mind gives thanks for his and the redemption of all mankind; and makes a faithful remembrance of the Lord's death, and witnesses the same before the church, of which body he is a member. This also is sealed to those which receive the sacrament, that the body of the Lord was given and His blood shed, not only for men in general, but particularly for every faithful communicant whose meat and drink He is, to life everlasting.

But as for him that without faith comes to this holy Table of the Lord, he is made partaker of the sacrament only; but the matter of the sacrament from whence comes life and salvation, he receives not at all and such men do unworthily eat of the Lord's Table. "Now they which do unworthily eat of the Lord's bread and drink of the Lord's cup, they are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, and they eat and drink it to their judgment" (1 Cor. 11:26–29). For as they do not approach with true faith, they do despite unto the death of Christ, and, therefore, eat and drink condemnation to themselves.

We do not, therefore, so join the body of the Lord and His blood with the bread and wine, as though we thought that the bread is the body of Christ more than after a sacramental manner; or that the body of Christ lies hidden corporally under the bread, so as it ought to be worshipped under the form of bread; or yet that whoever he is which receives the sign, he receives the thing itself. The body of Christ is in the heavens, at the right hand of His Father: and, therefore, our hearts are to be lifted up on high, and not to be fixed on the bread, neither is the Lord to be worshipped in the bread; though notwithstanding the Lord is not absent from His church when they celebrate the Supper. The sun, being absent from us in the heavens, is yet notwithstanding present among us effectually: how much more Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, though in body He is absent from us in the heavens, yet is present among us, not corporally, but spiritually, by His lively operation; and so as He Himself promised in His last Supper, to be present among us (John 14–16). Whereupon it follows that we have not the Supper without Christ, and yet that we have meanwhile an unbloody and mystical Supper, even as all antiquity called it.

Moreover, we are admonished in the celebration of the Supper of the Lord to be mindful of the body whereof we are made members; and that, therefore, we are at concord with all our brethren that we live holily and not pollute ourselves with wickedness and strange religions; but persevering in the true faith to the end of our life give diligence to excel in holiness of life.

It is, therefore, very requisite that, purposing to come to the Supper of the Lord, we do try ourselves according to the commandment of the apostle: first, with what faith we are endued, whether we believe that Christ is come to save sinners and to call them to repentance, and whether each man believes that he is in the number of them that, being delivered by Christ, are saved; and whether he has purposed to change his wicked life, to live holily, and persevere through God's assistance in true religion and in concord with his brethren, and to give worthy thanks to God for his delivery.

We think that rite, manner, or form of the Supper to be the most simple and excellent which comes nearest to the first institution of the Lord and to the apostles' doctrine: which consists in declaring the Word of God, in godly prayers, in the action itself that the Lord used, and the repeating of it; in the eating of the Lord's body and drinking of His blood; in the wholesome remembrance of the Lord's death and faithful giving of thanks; and in a holy fellowship in the union of the body of the church.

We, therefore, disapprove them which have taken from the faithful one part of the sacrament, to wit, the Lord's cup. For these do very grievously offend against the institution of the Lord, who says, "Drink all of you of this" (Matt. 26:27), which He did not so plainly say of the bread. What manner of mass it was that the fathers used, whether it were tolerable, or intolerable, we do not now dispute. But this we say freely, that the Mass which is now used throughout the Roman Church, which, for brevity's sake, we will not now particularly recite, for many and most just causes is quite abolished out of our churches. Truly we could not like it because of a most wholesome action, they have made a vain spectacle; also because it is made a meritorious matter and is said for money; likewise because in it the priest is said to make the very body of the Lord, and to offer the same really, even for the remission of the sins of the quick and the dead. Add this also; that they do it for the honor, worship, and reverence of the saints in heaven.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 22:19

    Luke 22:19 And having taken the bread, having given thanks, He broke [it] and gave to them, saying, “This is My body, which is given for you⁺; do this in remembrance of Me,”

  • Matt. 26:26–28; Luke 22:17–20

    Matt. 26:26–28 26 Now [while] they are eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed [it], broke [it], and having given [it] to the disciples, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the covenant, being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

    Luke 22:17–20 17 And having received a cup, having given thanks, He said, “Take this and divide [it] among yourselves. 18 For I say to you⁺ that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now until the kingdom of God shall come.” 19 And having taken the bread, having given thanks, He broke [it] and gave to them, saying, “This is My body, which is given for you⁺; do this in remembrance of Me,” 20 and the cup likewise, after the supping, saying, “This cup [is] the new covenant in My blood, which is being poured out for you⁺.

  • John 6:30–63

    John 6:30–63 30 Therefore they said to Him, “Then what sign do You do, so that we may see and may believe You? What do You work? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.’” 32 Therefore Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, Moses has not given you⁺ the bread out of heaven, but My Father gives you⁺ the true bread out of heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the One coming down out of heaven and giving life to the world.” 34 Therefore they said to Him, “Sir, always give us this bread.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; the one coming to Me never shall hunger, and the one believing in Me never will thirst at any time. 36 But I said to you⁺ that you⁺ have also seen Me and you⁺ do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one coming to Me I shall never cast out. 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.” 41 Therefore the Jews were grumbling about Him because He said, “I am the bread having come down out of heaven.” 42 And they were saying, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does He say, ‘I have come down out of heaven?’” 43 Jesus answered and said to them, “Do not grumble with one another. 44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One being from God; He has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, the one believing has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your⁺ fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread coming down out of heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread having come down out of heaven. If anyone shall eat of this bread, he will live to the age. And the bread also that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” 52 Therefore the Jews were arguing with one another, saying, “How is this One able to give us His flesh to eat?” 53 Therefore Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, unless you⁺ shall eat the flesh of the Son of Man and shall drink His blood, you⁺ do not have life in yourselves. 54 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day. 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood remains in Me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, the one also feeding on Me, he also will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread having come down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. The one eating this bread will live to the age.” 59 He said these things teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. 60 Therefore many of His disciples, having heard, said, “This word is difficult; who is able to hear it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in Himself that His disciples are grumbling about this, said to them, “Does this cause you⁺ to stumble? 62 Then [what] if you⁺ may behold the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit making alive; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you⁺ are spirit and they are life.

  • John 6:51

    John 6:51 I am the living bread having come down out of heaven. If anyone shall eat of this bread, he will live to the age. And the bread also that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

  • John 6:63

    John 6:63 It is the Spirit making alive; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you⁺ are spirit and they are life.

  • John 6:35

    John 6:35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; the one coming to Me never shall hunger, and the one believing in Me never will thirst at any time.

  • John 6:56

    John 6:56 The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood remains in Me, and I in him.

  • 1 Cor. 11:26–29

    1 Cor. 11:26–29 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. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup. 29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

  • John 14–16

    John 14 on BibleHub ↗

    John 15 on BibleHub ↗

    John 16 on BibleHub ↗

  • Matt. 26:27

    Matt. 26:27 And having taken a cup and having given thanks, He gave [it] to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 7612 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper9 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1708 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper7 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith6 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1626 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics
London Baptist Confession (1689)

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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London Baptist Confession (1689)

Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day

1. The light of nature shows that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all; is just, good, and doth good unto all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart, and all the soul, and with all the might. But the acceptable way of worshiping the true God, is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshiped according to the imaginations, and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations, or any other way, not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures.

2. Religious worship is to be given to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to him alone; not to angels, saints, or any other creatures; and since the fall, not without a Mediator, nor in the mediation of any other but Christ alone.

3. Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one special part of natural worship, is by God required of all men. But that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son, by the help of the Spirit, according to his will; with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance; and when with others, in a known tongue.

4. Prayer is to be made for things lawful, and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter; but not for the dead, nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death.

5. The reading of the Scriptures, preaching, and hearing the Word of God, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord; as also the administration of baptism, and the Lord's Supper, are all parts of religious worship of God, to be performed in obedience to him, with understanding, faith, reverence, and godly fear; moreover, solemn humiliation, with fastings, and thanksgivings, upon special occasions, ought to be used in an holy and religious manner.

6. Neither prayer, nor any other part of religious worship, is now under the gospel tied unto, or made more acceptable by, any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed; but God is to be worshiped everywhere in spirit, and in truth; as in private families daily, and in secret each one by himself; so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly nor willfully to be neglected, or forsaken, when God by his word, or providence calleth thereunto.

7. As it is the law of nature, that in general a proportion of time by God's appointment, be set apart for the worship of God, so by his Word, in a positive moral, and perpetual commandment, binding all men, in all ages, he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath to be kept holy unto him, which from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week, which is called the Lord's Day; and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath; the observation of the last day of the week being abolished.

8. The Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering their common affairs aforehand, do not only observe a holy rest all the day, from their own works, words and thoughts, about their worldly employment and recreations, but are also taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.

Scripture proofs
  • Jer. 10:7; Mark 12:33.

    Jer. 10:7 Who does not fear You O King of the nations? Indeed, it is fitting for you! Because among all the wise ones of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [is] none like You.

    Mark 12:33 and to love Him out of all the heart and out of all the understanding and out of all the strength, and to love the neighbor as oneself is more than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

  • Deut. 12:32.

    Deut. 12:32 The whole thing, whatever I command you⁺, be careful to observe it. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.

  • Ex. 20:4–6.

    Ex. 20:4–6 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me, 6 and showing loving devotion to thousands for those who love Me and for those who keep My commandments.

  • Matt. 4:9–10; John 6:23; Matt. 28:19.

    Matt. 4:9–10 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give to You if, falling down, You worship me.” 10 Then Jesus says to him, “Go away, Satan! For it has been written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’”

    John 6:23 (But boats from Tiberias came near the place where they ate the bread, the Lord having given thanks).

    Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

  • Rom. 1:25; Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10.

    Rom. 1:25 who changed the truth of God into falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the One having created, who is blessed to the ages! Amen.

    Col. 2:18 Let no one disqualify you⁺, delighting in humility and worship of the angels, going into what he has seen, vainly being puffed up by the mind of his flesh,

    Rev. 19:10 And I fell before his feet to worship him. And he says to me, “See, no! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers, those having the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

  • John 14:6.

    John 14:6 Jesus says to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father if not through Me.

  • 1 Tim. 2:5.

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

  • Ps. 95:1–7; Ps. 65:2.

    Ps. 95:1–7 1 O come, let us sing out to YHWH; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come before His face with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully with psalms to Him! 3 For a great God [is] YHWH, and the great King above all gods— 4 in whose hand [are] the depths of the earth, and the peaks of the mountains [are] unto Him, 5 [and] to whom [is] the sea, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the face of YHWH our Maker! 7 For He [is] our God, and we [are] the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you⁺ hear His voice:

    Ps. 65:2 O Hearer of prayer, to You all flesh will come.

  • John 14:13–14.

    John 14:13–14 13 And whatever you⁺ might ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you⁺ ask Me anything in My name, I will do [it].

  • Rom. 8:26.

    Rom. 8:26 Now likewise also, the Spirit joins to help in our weakness; for we do not know the [things] that we should pray for as it is necessary, but the Spirit Himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.

  • 1 John 5:14.

    1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we may ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

  • 1 Cor. 14:16–17.

    1 Cor. 14:16–17 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will the one filling up the place of the uninstructed say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you say? 17 For indeed, you give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

  • 1 Tim. 2:1–2; 2 Sam. 7:29.

    1 Tim. 2:1–2 1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgivings to be made for all men, 2 for kings and all those being in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

    2 Sam. 7:29 And now begin and bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord YHWH, have spoken [it], and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”

  • 2 Sam. 12:21–23.

    2 Sam. 12:21–23 21 And his servants said to him, “What [is] this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; and when the child died, you arose and ate food.” 22 And he said, “While the child was alive I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows that YHWH may be gracious, and the child may live?’ 23 And he is dead. Why [is] this [that] I should fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, and he shall not return to me.”

  • 1 John 5:16.

    1 John 5:16 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.

  • 1 Tim. 4:13.

    1 Tim. 4:13 Until I come, give heed to the reading, to exhortation, to teaching.

  • 2 Tim. 4:2; Luke 8:18.

    2 Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be ready in season [and] out of season; convict, rebuke, exhort, in all patience and teaching.

    Luke 8:18 Therefore look how you⁺ hear; for whoever may have, to him [it] will be given; and whoever may not have, even what he thinks to have will be taken away from him.”

  • Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19.

    Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you⁺ richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing each other in psalms, hymns, [and] spiritual songs, in grace singing in your⁺ hearts to God.

    Eph. 5:19 speaking to each other in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your⁺ heart to the Lord,

  • Matt. 28:19–20.

    Matt. 28:19–20 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

  • 1 Cor. 11:26.

    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.

  • Esth. 4:16; Joel 2:12.

    Esth. 4:16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast over me, and you⁺ shall not eat and you⁺ shall not drink [for] three days, night and day. Also I and my young women will fast likewise, and with this I will go to the king, which [is] not according to the law. And if I perish, I perish!”

    Joel 2:12 “Even now,” a declaration of YHWH, “May you turn to Me with all your⁺ heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.”

  • Exod. 15:1ff.; Ps. 107.

    Exod. 15:1 Then Moses sang—and the sons of Israel—this song to YHWH, and they spoke, saying: “I will sing to YHWH, for He has greatly triumphed; the horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea.

    Psalm 107 on BibleHub ↗

  • John 4:21; Mal. 1:11; 1 Tim. 2:8.

    John 4:21 Jesus says to her, “Believe Me, woman, that an hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you⁺ worship the Father.

    Mal. 1:11 For from the rising of the sun to its going down, great [is] My name among the nations; in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering. Indeed, My name will be great among the nations.” Says YHWH of Hosts.

    1 Tim. 2:8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

  • Acts 10:2.

    Acts 10:2 devout and fearing God with all his household, doing many alms to the people and praying to God through all.

  • Matt. 6:11; Ps. 55:17.

    Matt. 6:11 Give us today our necessary bread.

    Ps. 55:17 Evening and morning and noon I meditate and cry aloud, and He hears my voice.

  • Matt. 6:6.

    Matt. 6:6 But you, when you may pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father, the One in secret. And your Father, the One seeing in secret, will reward to you.

  • Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:42.

    Heb. 10:25 not forsaking the assembling together of ourselves, as [is] the custom with some, but exhorting, and so much more as you⁺ see the Day drawing near.

    Acts 2:42 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.

  • Ex. 20:8.

    Ex. 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.

  • 1 Cor. 16:1–2; Acts 20:7; Rev. 1:10.

    1 Cor. 16:1–2 1 Now concerning the collection that [is] for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also you⁺ are to do. 2 Every first of the week, let each one of you⁺ put aside, treasuring up whatever he may be prospered in, so that when I might come, then there should be no collections.

    Acts 20:7 And on the first of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight.

    Rev. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,

  • Isa. 58:13; Neh. 13:15–22.

    Isa. 58:13 If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, doing your pleasure on My holy day, and [if] you call the Sabbath a delight, holy of YHWH, honored, and [if] you honor it above doing your own ways above finding your own delight and speaking a word,

    Neh. 13:15–22 15 In those days I saw in Judah those treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing [in] the heaps [of grain], and lifting [loads] upon the donkeys, and also wine, [and] grapes, and figs, and every load carried; and [they were] bringing [it] [to] Jerusalem on the day of the Sabbath. And I protested on the day of their selling provision. 16 And the Tyrians who dwelt in it were bringing fish and every of merchandise and selling on the Sabbath to the sons of Judah, even in Jerusalem. 17 And I contended with the nobles of Judah, and I said to them, “What [is] this evil thing that you⁺ are doing, and profaning the day of the Sabbath? 18 Thus did not your⁺ fathers do, and our God brought upon us all this disaster, and upon this city? And you⁺ are adding to wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath!” 19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath. 20 And they lodged—those who traded and those who sold all kinds of goods to sell—outside of Jerusalem once or twice. 21 And I testified against them and said to them, “Why [are] you⁺ lodging in front of the wall? If you⁺ do [this] again, a hand I will put forth on you⁺.” From that time they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 And I said to the Levites that they should be cleansing themselves, and coming in guarding the gates, to sanctify the day of the Sabbath. Also for this, remember me, O my God, and have pity on me according to the abundance of your loving devotion.

  • Matt. 12:1–13.

    Matt. 12:1–13 1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbaths, and His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck the heads of grain and to eat. 2 And the Pharisees, having seen, said to Him, “Behold, Your disciples do what it is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.” 3 And He said to them, “Did you⁺ not read what David did when he was hungry, and those with him— 4 how he entered into the house of God, and they ate the loaves of the presentation, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those with him, except for the priests only? 5 Or did you⁺ not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? 6 But I say to you⁺ that a greater One than the temple is here. 7 But if you⁺ had known what is ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ then you⁺ would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” 9 And having departed from there, He went into their synagogue. 10 And behold, a man having a withered hand, and they asked Him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbaths?” so that they might accuse Him. 11 And He said to them, “What man will there be of you⁺ who will have one sheep, and if this one should fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, will not take hold of it and will raise [it] up? 12 How much more valuable, therefore, [is] a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful on the Sabbaths to do good.” 13 Then He says to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched [it] out, and it was restored, sound as the other.

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