Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints
Section 1
They whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved.
Scripture: John 10:28-29; Philippians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 Peter 1:9; 2 Peter 1:10; 1 John 3:9
Section 2
This perseverance of the saints depends, not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father; upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ; the abiding of the Spirit and of the seed of God within them; and the nature of the covenant of grace: from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof.
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:3; 2 Timothy 2:18-19 · John 14:16-17; 1 John 2:27; 1 John 3:9 · Luke 22:32; John 17:11; John 17:24; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:12-15; Hebrews 10:10; Hebrews 10:14; Hebrews 13:20-21; Romans 8:33-39 · John 10:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 John 2:19 · Jeremiah 32:40
Section 3
Nevertheless they may, through the temptations of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of the means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins; and for a time continue therein: whereby they 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.
Scripture: Matthew 26:70; Matthew 26:72; Matthew 26:74 · 2 Samuel 11:27; Isaiah 64:5; Isaiah 64:7; Isaiah 64:9 · Psalms 51:14 · Psalms 51:8; Psalms 51:10; Psalms 51:12; Song of Solomon 5:2-4; Song of Solomon 5:6; Revelation 2:4 · Ephesians 4:30 · Psalms 32:3-4; Psalms 51:8 · Isaiah 63:17; Mark 6:52; Mark 16:14 · Psalms 89:31-32; 1 Corinthians 11:32 · 2 Samuel 12:14