When Saints Fall—And Rise Again (Chapter 17, Paragraph 3)

“And though they may, through the temptation of Satan and of the world…”

The Christian life unfolds on a battlefield. Temptation comes from multiple fronts: Satan’s lies (1 Pet. 5:8), worldly enticements (1 John 2:16), and even subtle distortions of truth. Believers are not immune. The enemy aims not merely to distract but to destroy—to draw saints into sins that grieve the Spirit and damage the soul.

“…the prevalency of corruption remaining in them…”

This phrase acknowledges the reality of indwelling sin. Though justified, believers still battle the flesh. Romans 7 reveals Paul’s inner struggle: “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Rom. 7:15). Sanctification is progressive, not instant. The remnants of sin can, for a time, prevail—even in regenerate hearts.

“…and the neglect of means of their preservation…”

Here lies a sober warning: spiritual laziness is dangerous. God has given means of grace—prayer, the Word, fellowship, the Lord’s Supper. When neglected, the believer becomes spiritually dull and vulnerable to sin. David’s fall in 2 Samuel 11 followed a season of idleness. The neglect of spiritual disciplines often opens the door to moral failure.

“…fall into grievous sins…”

True saints can and do fall—not just in small ways, but into grievous sins. Peter denied Christ. David committed adultery and murder. Such falls are not hypothetical—they are historical. The confession is pastorally honest. It does not pretend the Christian life is free of serious failure. But it does not stop there.

“…and for a time continue therein…”

Not only can believers fall, but they may also remain in sin for a season. This may disturb our assumptions, but it reflects biblical reality. The prodigal son dwelled in the far country. Yet, for all this, he remained a son. Grievous sin may bring temporary wandering, but not permanent loss.

“…whereby they incur God's displeasure…”

Though saints are justified, their sin is not excused. God is a loving Father, but He is also holy. Sin brings His fatherly displeasure (Heb. 12:6–11). This displeasure is not judicial condemnation, but relational disruption. God disciplines those He loves. His rod is never vindictive—but it is real.

“…and grieve His Holy Spirit…”

Ephesians 4:30 commands, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” Sin wounds our communion with the Spirit. Though He never departs from the believer, His felt presence may be withdrawn. The soul becomes dry, heavy, and restless.

“…come to have their graces and comforts impaired…”

Grace in the soul cannot be extinguished, but it can be clouded. Sin dulls assurance. Joy evaporates. Peace gives way to anxiety. Confidence in prayer weakens. Psalm 51 is David’s cry from this very place: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (v. 12). The fruit of the Spirit is diminished under unrepented sin.

“…have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded…”

Sin is never static—it deadens the heart and damages the conscience. What once provoked grief begins to feel normal. Hardened hearts resist correction. A wounded conscience whispers guilt and shame. The longer one remains in sin, the deeper the damage. This is why repentance must never be delayed.

“…hurt and scandalize others…”

Sin never affects only the sinner. When a believer falls, others are harmed. Family, church members, and even unbelievers suffer. The witness of the gospel is tarnished. Scandal brings dishonor to Christ’s name. This is why elders must be above reproach (1 Tim. 3:2). But even among the lowliest of believers, sin casts a shadow.

“…and bring temporal judgments upon themselves.”

Though there is no condemnation for those in Christ (Rom. 8:1), there may be consequences in this life: illness, loss, exposure, or the withdrawal of ministry. God disciplines His children not to destroy them but to restore them. His judgments are corrective, not retributive.

“Yet shall they renew their repentance, and be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end.”

Here is the note of triumphant hope. The believer may fall—but he will rise. God grants repentance. The Spirit stirs conviction. The gospel calls back the wayward. Faith is revived. The flame flickers, but is not extinguished. God will complete what He began (Phil. 1:6). The saint will endure—not because he is strong, but because Christ intercedes.

Application for the Believer:

Have you fallen? Are you walking through a season of guilt or distance from God? Take courage. This paragraph was written for you. God’s mercy is deeper than your worst failure. He knows your frame. He disciplines to restore, not to destroy. Come back. Renew your repentance. Return to the Word, to prayer, to fellowship. The door of grace remains open.

If you are standing firm, do not grow proud. You stand by grace. Guard your soul. Use the means of grace. Watch and pray. Encourage others who have fallen—restore them in gentleness (Gal. 6:1). For we are all kept by the preserving hand of God.