1689 Confession of Faith

Paragraph 9 of Chapter 19 closes the discussion of God’s law by asserting that true obedience springs not from servile fear but from the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. While believers are no longer justified by the law, they are enabled by grace to keep it more and more. The law no longer threatens but instructs. Far from being abolished, the law is now written on the hearts of God’s people, who obey out of love and reverence.

Paragraph 8 of the 1689 Confession asserts the perpetual authority of God’s moral law. Though ceremonial and judicial laws have ceased, the moral law—summarized in the Ten Commandments—remains binding on all people in every generation. The moral law is not merely an Old Testament relic but a reflection of God's holy character and an abiding rule of life. For Christians, obedience to the law is not for justification but a fruit of union with Christ.

Paragraph 7 clarifies the distinct categories of law given to Israel—moral, ceremonial, and judicial. While the moral law is universal and perpetual, the ceremonial and judicial laws were given specifically to the nation of Israel under the old covenant. These laws, though once binding, have now been abrogated under the new covenant because they were fulfilled in Christ. The ceremonial laws pointed forward to Jesus, and the judicial laws governed Israel as a theocratic nation

This paragraph affirms the harmony between the law and the gospel, clarifying that they are not enemies but serve complementary roles in God’s redemptive plan. The moral law does not oppose grace; instead, it reveals the holiness and justice of God, preparing the heart for the gospel and guiding believers in sanctified living. The law is not abolished in the gospel but fulfilled by Christ, who empowers His people to walk in righteousness. Grace does not license sin but teache

Paragraph 5 teaches the purposes of God's moral law, explaining its value for both the unregenerate and the redeemed. For unbelievers, the law exposes sin, restrains evil, and reveals the desperate need for Christ. For believers, the law does not justify but reveals God’s will, convicts of remaining sin, and guides toward holiness. The law drives sinners to Christ and leads saints in sanctification.

Paragraph 4 of Chapter 19 asserts that the moral law of God continues to bind all people, believers and unbelievers alike. Though fulfilled in Christ, the moral law is not abolished. Rather, it remains a standard of righteousness, convicting sinners and guiding saints. This law does not justify the sinner, nor condemn the believer, but functions to restrain evil, reveal sin, and shape holy living. Christ’s fulfillment of the law affirms its goodness and permanence.

This paragraph teaches that the moral law, which was first written on the heart of man in creation, was later delivered more fully and clearly at Mount Sinai. God gave Israel the Ten Commandments as a covenantal summary of His moral expectations. Though delivered to a specific people in a particular time, these commandments are universal and enduring because they reflect God’s unchanging character.

Paragraph 2 of Chapter 19 declares that the same moral law given to Adam continues to bind all people. Though it was later codified at Mount Sinai, its authority never ceased. The Ten Commandments are a perfect expression of God’s moral character and continue to obligate everyone, believer and unbeliever alike. This paragraph refutes the idea that God's law was merely for ancient Israel. Instead, it teaches that God's moral demands transcend time and culture.

This paragraph introduces the moral law of God, first given to Adam in creation and written on every human heart. It teaches that all people, by nature, are aware of God’s moral standards and are accountable to them. This law is summarized in the Ten Commandments and remains binding on all people. The moral law is distinct from ceremonial or civil laws—it reflects God’s holy character and is universal and eternal.

This paragraph tenderly acknowledges that a believer’s assurance may be shaken, diminished, or lost for a time due to sin, temptation, or divine testing. Yet God never fully withdraws His sustaining grace, and the Spirit never leaves His people. While assurance may waver, salvation is never lost. In time, through repentance and renewed use of the means of grace, the Lord restores comfort and peace.

This paragraph acknowledges that true believers may lose the assurance of their salvation for a time. Sin, neglect of the means of grace, spiritual trials, or divine testing can obscure their sense of peace. However, though assurance may be dimmed, salvation itself is never lost. God’s grace preserves His people, and in due time He restores the light of His presence.

This paragraph outlines the solid foundation upon which a believer’s assurance rests. It is not built on emotions or experiences but on the promises of God, the internal evidence of grace, and the Spirit’s confirming witness. Though assurance is not always immediate or constant, it is possible through the faithful use of God’s appointed means. The confession reminds us that assurance is not a privilege for elite Christians but a fruit of ordinary grace

This paragraph teaches that assurance of salvation is both possible and desirable for the true believer. While not all Christians experience it equally, assurance flows from God’s promises, the evidences of grace within, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. It is not a presumption or illusion but a real, Spirit-wrought confidence that one belongs to Christ. This assurance leads to greater joy, love, and holiness—not complacency. It reminds the believer that salvation is rooted

This paragraph provides a sober yet hopeful view of the Christian life. True believers may, through temptation, carelessness, or sinful habits, fall into grievous sin and experience the consequences—loss of comfort, assurance, and joy. Yet God will not leave them there. Though they may fall terribly, they do not fall finally. God restores His people through discipline, repentance, and grace. This paragraph offers both a warning against spiritual negligence and a promise of di

This paragraph acknowledges the sober reality that true believers may fall into serious sin. Yet, while their falls may bring spiritual damage and divine discipline, they do not lead to final ruin. Because of God’s unchanging love and Christ’s intercession, believers will ultimately be restored. The confession emphasizes both the possibility of spiritual decline and the certainty of God’s preserving grace.

This paragraph of the Confession asserts that true believers will persevere in faith until the end, not because of their strength, but because of God’s unchanging love and preserving grace. Those who are truly converted can never finally fall away from salvation. Though they may stumble, the power of God keeps them, the intercession of Christ secures them, and the Spirit within guarantees their perseverance. This truth comforts believers in seasons of doubt or temptation.

Paragraph 6 declares that unregenerate people may do things that are morally commendable and outwardly beneficial. These acts may reflect God’s moral law and provide social good, but because they do not proceed from a heart renewed by grace, they are not spiritually good. Such works cannot please God or bring the soul any closer to salvation. The Confession distinguishes between civil good and spiritual good, showing that without faith, all deeds—however noble—fall short of G

“We cannot by our best works merit pardon of sin or eternal life at the hand of God…” This section continues to affirm the insufficiency...

This paragraph brings balance and comfort to the doctrine of good works. While believers' good works are sincere, they are also imperfect—tainted by remaining sin and human weakness. Yet God, in His mercy, accepts them through Christ. The works of believers are not accepted because of their merit, but because of the person who performs them in faith and union with Christ. God looks upon the heart, not the blemishes.

This paragraph addresses a critical distinction: while unbelievers can do things that appear outwardly good, their works are not truly good in God’s sight. Why? Because they do not flow from faith in Christ, are not done with the right motive (to glorify God), and are not done according to God’s revealed will. Such works may benefit society and even receive human praise, but they do not merit God’s favor or bring the doer any closer to salvation.