The Baptist Catechism

    Westminster Larger Catechism (1647), Westminster Assembly

    Question 80

    Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation?

    Such as truly believe in Christ, and endeavor to walk in all good conscience before him,a 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 made,b and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God,c be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and shall persevere therein unto salvation.d

    Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation?

    Such as truly believe in Christ, and endeavor to walk in all good conscience before him,a 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 made,b and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God,c be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and shall persevere therein unto salvation.d

    1. a. 1 John 2:3

      1 John 2:3

      2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

      2:3 By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.

      King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

    2. b. 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 John 3:14, 18–19, 21, 24; 4:13, 16; Hebrews 6:11–12

      1 Corinthians 2:12

      2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

      2:12 We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.

      1 John 3:14; 1 John 3:18–19; 1 John 3:21; 1 John 3:24

      3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

      3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death. 3:18 Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. 3:19 And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence: 3:21 Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God, 3:24 Whoever keeps His commandments remains in God, and God in him. And by this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit He has given us.

      1 John 4:13; 1 John 4:16

      4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

      4:13 By this we know that we remain in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. 4:16 And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

      Hebrews 6:11–12

      6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

      6:11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 6:12 Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

      King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

    3. c. Romans 8:16

      Romans 8:16

      8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

      8:16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

      King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

    4. d. 1 John 5:13

      1 John 5:13

      5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

      5:13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

      King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

    Related (2)

    The Baptist Catechism (1695), parallel to this question

    Question 39

    What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption and sanctification?

    The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Spirit, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.

    Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647), parallel to this question

    Question 36

    What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

    The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience joy in the Holy Ghost increase of grace and perseverance therein to the end.

    Commentaries (9)