Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints

Question 1.

Can they whom God has accepted in his beloved, effectually called, and sanctified by his Spirit, either totally or finally fall away from the state of grace?

No.

Shall they certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved?

Yes (Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 1:10; John 10:28, 29; 1 John 3:9; 1 Peter 1:5, 9).

Well then, do not the Papists, Socinians, Arminians, and some ring-leaders among the Quakers err, who maintain, that the saints may totally and finally fall away?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because the saints are built upon the rock, and not upon the sand: therefore when temptations of any kind assault, they can never fall, nor can the gates of hell prevail against them (Matthew 7:24; Matthew 16:16, 18). (2) Because he that has begun a good work in the saints will finish it, until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). (3) Because Paul says, nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35, 38, 39). (4) Because they that fall away have never had true justifying faith (Luke 8:13, 16; 1 John 2:19). (5) Because it is impossible for the elect to be seduced (Matthew 24:24). I say impossible, not in respect of the will and power of the elect themselves, but in respect of the immutability of God's decree concerning them, and of his purpose of keeping them powerfully against seduction, according to his promises, of which he cannot repent (see John 10:28; Romans 8:38, 39; 1 Peter 1:5). (6) Because they that believe in the Son of God have life eternal (1 John 5:13; John 6:47, 54, 58). And they have passed from death to life, and shall never thirst nor hunger any more (John 6:35). (7) Because God has promised in his covenant, that though he chastise his own children for their faults, yet he will never take away his mercy and loving kindness from them (Psalm 89:30-34; Jeremiah 32:38-40). (8) Because that golden chain that Paul speaks of cannot be broken (Romans 8:30). Whom he did predestinate, them also he called, etc. (9) Because Christ says, this is the Father's will, which has sent me, that of all which he has given me, I should lose nothing (John 6:39). (10) Because we are kept by the power of God through faith, to salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:5). (11) Because he has prayed for us, that our faith fail not (Luke 22:32; John 17:20).

Question 2.

Can believers by reason of their sins and failings 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?

Yes (Isaiah 64:5, 7, 9; Ephesians 4:30; Psalm 51:8, 10, 12; Revelation 2:4; Song of Solomon 5:2-4, 6; Isaiah 63:17; Psalm 37:3, 4; 2 Samuel 12:14; Psalm 89:31, 32; Mark 16:14; 1 Corinthians 11:32).

Well then, do not the Antinomians err, who maintain, that the sins of the regenerate do not displease God, and cannot grieve his holy Spirit: and that believers are not chastised in any way for their sins?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because the prophet says, you are wroth, for we have sinned (Isaiah 64:5). (2) Because it is said, that the thing which David had done (namely his murder and his adultery) displeased the Lord (2 Samuel 11:27). (3) Because the Scripture testifies, that the sins of believers grieve his holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). (4) Because the saints by reason of their sins are deprived of some measure of grace and consolation (Psalm 51:8, 9; Revelation 2:4, 5). (5) Because the Lord has inflicted temporal punishments upon believers for their faults (Psalm 89:31, 32; 2 Samuel 12:11 and 24:15; 1 Corinthians 11:30).