SECT. XXXI. Of Perseverance.
Quest. MAy those that God hath predestinated to Salvation, fall finally and totally from the Grace of God?
A. No, For that Chain that St. Paul speaks of cannot be broken, Rom. 8.30. Whom he did Predestinate, them he also called, and whom he called, them also he justified, and whom he justified, them he also glorified. The Decrees of God are irrevocable, and his Covenant with his Elect is eternal. Jerem. 32.39. I will give them one heart, that they may fear me for ever, vers. 40. I will make an everlasting Covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, &c.
Q. Then the Faith of the Elect cannot be totally lost?
A. No, because it is the Faith of the Elect, Page 87 Tit. 1.1. and Jesus Christ says, John 5.24. He that believeth in him hath Everlasting Life, and shall not come into condemnation. And John 4.14. He promiseth to give water that whosoever shall drink thereof, shall never thirst, but it shall be in him a well of water springing up into Everlasting Life. And St. Peter, 1 Epist. 1.23. That the word of God by which we are regenerated, liveth and abideth for ever, and is not a corruptible seed, but incorruptible.
Q. Yet the Scripture speaks of Stars fallen from heaven. Rev. 6.13. and of them who have made shipwrack of Faith. 1 Tim. 1.19.
A. We say of such, that which S. John says, 1 Ep. 2.19. They went out from us, but they were not of us; that is, They conversed with us, but they were not of our body, for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: They were called and not chosen.
Q. From whence proceeds that perseverance?
A. Not from the power and nature of Faith considered in it self, but from the con∣tinual assistance of God, and from the cer∣tainty of his promises, for Jesus Christ says, John 6.39. This is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing: his Gifts and Calling is without Repentance, Rom. 11.29. We are kept by the power of God through Faith unto Salva∣tion, Page 88 ready to be revealed in the last Time. 1 Peter, 1.5. Add the efficacy of the intercession of Jesus Christ, For he prayed for us that our Faith fail not. Luke 22.32. Joh. 17.20.
