Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 78
Question 78
Whence ariseth the imperfection of sanctification in believers?
The imperfection of sanctification in believers ariseth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them, and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit; whereby they are often foiled with temptations, and fall into many sins, are hindered in all their spiritual services, and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of God.
Scripture references for paragraph 1
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
Romans 7:1818I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
Romans 7:2323But I see another law at work in my body, warring against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me.
Mark 14:66-7266While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the servant girls of the high priest came down
67and saw him warming himself there. She looked at Peter and said, “You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.”
68But he denied it. “I do not know or even understand what you are talking about,” he said. Then he went out to the gateway, and the rooster crowed.
69There the servant girl saw him and again said to those standing nearby, “This man is one of them.”
70But he denied it again. After a little while, those standing nearby said once more to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you too are a Galilean.”
71But he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak!”
72And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Galatians 2:11-1211When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood to be condemned.
12For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group.
Hebrews 12:11Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.
Isaiah 64:66Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.
Exodus 28:3838And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.
Source and edition
Westminster Larger Catechism. NonlinearFruit/Creeds.json, Unlicense. Creeds.json, English transcription
Unlicense. Source transcription.
Berean Blue opens December 1, 2026 for Bible reading, study, and research. View this work in the app preview.