Of the Perseverance of the Saints

Chapter 17 confesses one of the most pastorally precious doctrines in the confession: those whom God has accepted in the Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, given the precious faith of his elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace. They shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved.

This is not eternal security as merely a one-time decision. It is the persevering grace of God working in his people across a lifetime. They may fall into grievous sins, even for a season, but they shall not be utterly cast off. He who began a good work in them will complete it.

Perseverance is the Christian’s deepest comfort. He is kept not by his grip on Christ but by Christ’s grip on him.

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For the full text of this chapter with scripture proofs, see the1689confession.com or Founders Ministries.