Saints May Fall, But Not Fall Away (Chapter 17, Paragraph 2)

“This perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will…”

Here the Confession establishes the ground of perseverance. The believer's endurance is not rooted in their strength or resolve. If it were up to our will alone, we would all fall away. Like Peter, we would deny Christ under pressure. Our will is weak and inconsistent. Instead, perseverance depends on God’s unchanging and sovereign grace.

“…but upon the immutability of the decree of election…”

God’s eternal decree is the foundation of the believer’s security. He has chosen His people before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). That choice is not based on foreseen faith or good works but upon God’s gracious will. And what God decrees, He accomplishes (Isa. 46:10). Our perseverance is certain because God’s purpose cannot fail.

“…flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father…”

Why does God keep His people? Because He loves them. This love is not based on anything in us. It is free and unchangeable. Jeremiah 31:3 declares, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” The believer may feel forsaken at times, but God’s love is steadfast. His heart toward His elect never wavers.

“…upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ…”

Christ not only died for us—He lives for us. His intercession at the right hand of God (Heb. 7:25) secures our ongoing standing. He pleads His blood before the Father on our behalf. As the hymn says, “Five bleeding wounds He bears, received on Calvary; they pour effectual prayers, they strongly plead for me.” His merit ensures our preservation.

“…the abiding of the Spirit, and of the seed of God within them…”

The Holy Spirit dwells in the believer (Rom. 8:9–11). His presence is permanent. He does not depart from the child of God. Moreover, the “seed of God”—that is, the implanted word and divine life (1 John 3:9)—remains. These inner graces are not extinguished by temptation or sin. They may be suppressed for a time, but they are never lost.

“…and the nature of the covenant of grace…”

God’s covenant is not like man’s. It is not breakable. In the new covenant, God promises, “I will put my law within them… and I will remember their sins no more” (Jer. 31:33–34). The covenant of grace guarantees both pardon and perseverance. God is faithful to finish what He began (Phil. 1:6).

“…from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof.”

Here, the confession draws its conclusion. Because of God’s decree, Christ’s intercession, the Spirit’s indwelling, and the sure covenant of grace, the perseverance of the saints is infallibly certain. Believers may doubt it. The world may mock it. Satan may assault it. But the truth stands: God will keep His people. Not one of them will be lost (John 6:39).

This paragraph brings rich comfort and balanced theology. It upholds both the seriousness of sin and the certainty of salvation. It warns against presumption while strengthening the believer’s assurance. Yes, Christians may stumble. But God’s grip is stronger than their fall.

Application for the Believer:

Have you ever wondered if you’ve fallen too far for God to restore you? Take heart: your salvation does not depend on your ability to hold on to God but on His unwavering hold on you. Christ is interceding for you. The Spirit is sustaining you. The Father is loving you with an unbreakable love.

This doctrine is not a license to sin—it is fuel for repentance. If you’ve strayed, return. If you’re weary, rest in Christ. If you fear the future, anchor yourself in God's promises. Perseverance is not self-determined endurance—it is Spirit-empowered grace. And that grace will carry you home.