Q79: 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?
A79: True believers, by reason of the unchangeable love of God,[1] and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance,[2] their inseparable union with Christ,[3] his continual intercession for them,[4] and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them,[5] can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace,[6] but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.[7]
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- (Jer 31:3) The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.
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- (2Ti 2:19-21) Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness." Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
- (2Sa 23:5) "Truly is not my house so with God? For He has made an everlasting covenant with me, Ordered in all things, and secured; For all my salvation and all my desire, Will He not indeed make it grow?
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- (1Co 1:8-9) who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
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- (Heb 7:25) Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
- (Luk 22:32) but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."
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- (1Jn 2:27) As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
- (1Jn 3:9) No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
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- (Jer 32:4) and Zedekiah king of Judah will not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but he will surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will speak with him face to face and see him eye to eye;
- (Joh 10:28) and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.
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- (1Pe 1:5) who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
