Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 79
Question 79
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 ?
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 references for paragraph 1
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
Jeremiah 31:33The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.
2 Timothy 2:19-2119Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
20A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use.
21So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.
2 Samuel 23:55Is not my house right with God? For He has established with me an everlasting covenant, ordered and secured in every part. Will He not bring about my full salvation and my every desire?
1 Corinthians 1:8-98He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Hebrews 7:2525Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.
Luke 22:3232But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
1 John 2:2727And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught.
1 John 3:99Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.
Jeremiah 32:4040I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will never turn away from Me.
John 10:2828I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand.
1 Peter 1:55who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
Source and edition
Westminster Larger Catechism. NonlinearFruit/Creeds.json, Unlicense. Creeds.json, English transcription
Unlicense. Source transcription.
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