Truths Victory Over Error, Chapter 17
CHAP. XVII. Of the Perseverance of the SAINTS.
Question I.
CAN they whom GOD hath accepted in his beloved, effectually called, and sanctified by his Spirit, either totally or finally fall away from the state of Grace?
No.
Shall they certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved?
Yes. Phil. 1. 6. 2 Pet. 1. 10. Iohn 10. 28, 29. 1 Iohn 3: 9. 1 Peter 1. 5. 9.
Well then, do not the Papists, Socinians, Arminians, and some Ring-leaders among the Quakers err, who maintain, that the Saints may totally and finally fall away?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
(1) Because, the Saints, are built upon the Rock, and not upon the Sand: therefore when temptations of any kind assault, they can never fall, nor can the gates of hell prevail against them; Matth. 7. 24. Matth. 16. 16, 18. (2) Because, he that hath begun a good work in the Saints, will finish it, untill the day of Jesus Christ; Phil. 1. 6. (3) Because, Paul says, nothing can separate us from the love of God; Rom. 8. 35, 38, 39. (4) Because, they that fall away, have never had true justifying Faith; Luke 8. 13, 16. 1 Iohn 2. 19. (5) Because, it is impossible for the Elect to be seduced; Matth. 24. 24. I say impossible, not in respect of the will, and power of the Elect themselves, but in respect of the immutability of Gods Decree, concerning them, and of his purpose of keeping them powerfully against seduction, according to his promises, of which he cannot repent; see Iohn 10. 28. Rom. 8. 38, 39. 1 Peter 1. 5. (6) Because, they that believe in the Son of God have life eternal; 1 Iohn 5. 13. Iohn 6. 47, 54, 58. And they have passed from death, unto life, and shall never thirst, nor hunger any more; Iohn 6. 35. (7) Because, God hath promised in his Covenant, that though he chastise his own children for their faults, yet he will never take away his mercy, and loving kindness from them; Psalm 89. 30, 31, 32, 33▪ 34. Ier. 32. 38, 39, 40. (8)▪ Because, that Golden chain, that Paul speaks of, cannot be broken; Rom. 8. 30. Whom he did predestinate, them also he called, &c. (9) Because, Christs says, this is the Fathers will, which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me, I should lose nothing; Iohn 6. 39. (10) Because, we are keeped by the power of God through Faith, unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time; 1 Peter 1. 5. (11) Because, he hath prayed for us, that our Faith fail not; Luke 22. 32. Iohn 17. 20.
Quest. II.
CAN Believers by reason of their sins, and failings incurr GODS displeasure, and grieve his holy Spirit, come to be deprived of some measure of their Graces, and Comforts, have their hearts hardned, and their consciences wounded, hurt, and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgements upon themselves?
Yes. Isaiah 64. 5, 7, 9. Ephes. 4. 30. Psal: 51. 8, 10, 12. Rev. 2. 4. Cant. 5. 2, 3, 4, 6. Isa 63. 17. Psalm 37. 3, 4. 2 Sam. 12. 14. Psal. 89▪ 31, 32. Mark 16. 14. 1 Cor. 11. 32.
Well then, do not the Antinomians err, who maintain, That the sins of the Regenerate, do not displease GOD, and cannot grieve his holy Spirit: and that Believers are not chastised in any wise for their sins?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
(1) Because, the Prophet says, thou art wroth, for we have sinned; Isai. 64. 5. (2) Because, it is said, that the thing which David had done (namely his Murder, and his Adultery) displeased the Lord; 2 Sam. 11. 27. (3) Because, the Scripture testifies, that the sins of Believers grieve his holy Spirit; Eph. 4. 30. (4) Because, the Saints by reason of their sins, are deprived of some measure of grace and consolation; Psalm 51. 8, 9. Rev. 2. 4, 5. (5) Because, the Lord hath inflicted temporal punishments upon Believers for their faults; Psalm 89. 31, 32. 2 Sam. 12, 11. and 24, 15. 1 Cor. 11. 30.