CHAP. XVII.
Of Perseverance of the Saints.
1. Those whom God hath accepted in the beloved,
effectually called and Sanctified by his Spirit, and given the precious
faith of his Elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the
state of grace; (a) but shall certainly
persevere therein to the end and be eternally saved, seeing the gifts and
callings of God are without Repentance, (whence he still begets and nourisheth
in them Faith, Repentance, Love, Joy, Hope, and all the graces of the Spirit
unto immortality) and though many storms and floods arise and beat against
them, yet they shall never be able to take them off that foundation and
rock which by faith they are fastned upon: notwithstanding through unbelief
and the temptations of Satan the sensible sight of the light and love of
God, may for a time be clouded, and obscured from (b)
them, yet he is still the same (c)
and they shall be sure to be kept by the power of God unto Salvation, where
they shall enjoy their purchased possession, they being engraven upon the
palm of his hands, and their names having been written in the book of life
from all Eternity.
a Joh. 10.28,29. Phi. 1.6. 2 Tim.
2.19. 1 Joh. 2.19.
2. This perseverance of the Saints depends not
upon their own free will; but upon the immutability of the decree of (d)
Election flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father;
upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ (e)
and Union with him, the (f) oath
of God, the abiding of his Spirit & the (g)
seed of God within them, and the nature of the (h)
Covenant of Grace from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility
thereof.
d Rom. 8.30. ch. 9.11.16.
3. And though they may through the temptation of
Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them,
and the neglect of means of their preservation fall into grievous (i)
sins, and for a time continue therein; whereby they incur (k)
Gods displeasure, and grieve his holy Spirit, come to have their graces
and (l) comforts impaired have their
hearts hardened, and their Consciences wounded, (m)
hurt, and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgements (n)
upon themselves: yet they shall renew their (o)
repentance and be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end.
i Mat. 26.70,72.74.
