The Westminster Larger Catechism
Questions 78—81: On Imperfection in Sanctification,
and Assurance of
Salvation
Q. 78. Whence ariseth the imperfection of
sanctification in believers?
A. 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 sinsa,
are hindered in all their spiritual servicesb,
and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of Godc.
a Rom. 7:18,23; Mark
14:66-72; Gal. 2:11,12 b Heb. 12:1 c
Isa. 64:6; Exod. 28:38
Q. 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?
A. True believers, by reason of the unchangeable
love of Goda, and his decree and covenant to
give them perseveranceb, their inseparable union
with Christc, his continual intercession for themd,
and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in theme,
can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of gracef,
but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvationg.
a Jer. 31:3 b
2 Tim. 2:19; Heb. 13:20,21; 2 Sam. 23:5 c 1
Cor. 1:8,9 d Heb. 7:25; Luke 22:32 e
1 John 3:9; 1 John 2:27 f Jer. 32:40; John
10:28 g 1 Pet. 1:5
Q. 80. 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 endeavour
to walk in all good conscience before hima, 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 madeb,
and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of Godc,
be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and shall
persevere therein unto salvationd.
a 1 John 2:3 b
1 Cor. 2:12; 1 John 3:14,18,19,21,24; 1 John 4:13,16; Heb. 6:11,12 c
Rom. 8:16 d 1 John 5:13
Q. 81. Are all true believers at all times
assured of their present being in the estate of grace, and that they
shall be saved?
A. Assurance of grace and salvation not being of
the essence of faitha, true believers may wait
long before they obtain itb; and, after the
enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, through
manifold distempers, sins, temptations, and desertionsc;
yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the
Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despaird.
a Eph. 1:13 b
Isa. 50:10; Ps. 88 c Ps. 77:1-12; Cant.
5:2,3,6; Ps. 51:8,12; Ps. 31:22; Ps. 22:1 d 1
John 3:9; Job 13:15; Ps. 73:15,23; Isa. 54:7-10
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