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such as are penitent," he so grieves for and hates his sins, as that he turns from them all to God, purposing and endeavouring constantly to walk with him in all the ways of new obedience."

Q. 77. Wherein do justification and sanctification differ?

A. Although sanctification be inseparably joined with justification," yet they differ, in that God in justification imputeth the righteousness of Christ; in sanctification his Spirit infuseth grace, and enableth to the exercise thereof; in the former, sin is pardoned; in the other, it

thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

Joel ii. 12. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning; Ver. 13. And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Jer. xxxi. 18. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God. Ver. 19. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

P2 Cor. vii. 11. For, behold, this self-same thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness; Ver. 48. And so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul.

Ps. cxix. 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. Ver. 59. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. Ver. 128. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. Luke i. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 2 Kings xxiii. 25. And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses: neither after him arose there any like him.

77. 1 Cor. vi. 11. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor. i. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

Rom. iv. 6. Even as David also describetli the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works. Ver. 8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Ezek. xxxvi. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

9 Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Ezek. xiv. 6. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God, Re- Rom. iii. 24. Being justified freely pent, and turn yourselves from your by his grace, through the redemption idols; and turn away your faces from that is in Christ Jesus; Ver. 25. all your abominations. 1 Kings viii. Whom God hath set forth to be a 47. Yet if they shall bethink them- propitiation through faith in his selves in the land whither they were blood, to declare his righteousness carried captives, and repent, and make for the remission of sins that are past, supplication unto thee in the land of through the forbearance of God.

is subdued: the one doth equally free all believers from the revenging wrath of God, and that perfectly in this life, that they never fall into condemnation; the other is neither equal in all, nor in this life perfect in any, but growing up to perfection.b

Q. 78. Whence ariseth the imperfection of sanctification in believers? A. The imperfection of sanctification in believers ariseth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them, and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit; whereby they are often foiled with temptations, and fall into many sins, are hindered in all their spiritual services, and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of God.R

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Rom. vi. 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Ver. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

y Rom. viii. 33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth; Ver. 34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

21 John ii. 12. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. Ver. 13. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. Ver. 14. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. Heb. v. 12. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Ver. 13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. Ver. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. a1 John i. 8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and

the truth is not in us. Ver. 10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

b 2 Cor. vii. 1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Phil. iii. 12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Ver. 13. Brethren, I count not myself to have appre hended but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Ver. 14. I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

78. Rom. vii. 18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Ver. 23. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Mark xiv. 66 to the end. And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest, &c. Gal. ii. 11. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. Ver. 12. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew, and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

a Heb. xii. 1. Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run

Q. 79. 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?

A. True believers, by reason of the unchangeable love of God, and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance, their inseparable union with Christ, his continual intercession for them, and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace,' but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.m

Q. 80. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation?

A. Such as truly believe in Christ, and endeavour to walk in all good conscience before him," may, without extraordinary revelation, by faith grounded upon the truth of God's promises, and by the Spirit enabling them to discern in themselves those graces to which the pro

with patience the race that is set before us.

firm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ver. 9. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

e Isa. Ixiv. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. i Heb. vii. 25. Wherefore he is able Exod. xxviii. 38. And it shall be upon also to save them to the uttermost Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may that come unto God by him, seeing bear the iniquity of the holy things, he ever liveth to make intercession which the children of Israel shall hal- for them. Luke xxii. 32. But I have low in all their holy gifts; and it shall prayed for thee, that thy faith fail be always upon his forehead, that they not: and when thou art converted, may be accepted before the Lord. strengthen thy brethren.

79. Jer. xxxi. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.

* 1 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John ii. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you; and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

2 Tim. ii. 19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Heb. xiii. 20. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, 1 Jer. xxxii. 40. And I will make an that great Shepherd of the sheep, everlasting covenant with them, that through the blood of the everlasting I will not turn away from them, to do covenant, Ver. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

i 1 Cor. i. 8. Who shall also con

them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. John x. 28. And 1 give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand.

m 1 Pet. i. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.

801 John ii. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

mises of life are made, and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God, be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and shall persevere therein unto salvation.¶

Q. 81. Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace, and that they shall be saved?

A. Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith, true believers may wait long before they obtain it; and, after the enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, through manifold distempers, sins, temptations, and desertions; yet are they

1 Cor. ii. 12. Now we have re- feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the ceived, not the spirit of the world, voice of his servant, that walketh in but the Spirit which is of God; that darkness, and hath no light? let him we might know the things that are trust in the name of the Lord, and freely given to us of God. 1 John iii. stay upon his God. Ps. lxxxviii. 14. We know that we have passed throughout. Ver. 1. O Lord God of from death unto life, because we love my salvation, I have cried day and the brethren: he that loveth not his night before thee. Ver. 2. Let my brother abideth in death. Ver. 18. prayer come before thee: incline thine My little children, let us not love in ear unto my cry; Ver. 3. For my word, neither in tongue; but in deed, soul is full of troubles, and my life and in truth. Ver. 19. And hereby draweth nigh unto the grave.-Ver. we know that we are of the truth, and 6. Thou hast laid me in the lowest shall assure our hearts before him. pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Ver. Ver. 21. Beloved, if our heart con- 7. Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, demn us not, then have we confidence and thou hast afflicted me with all toward God. Ver. 24. And he that thy waves. Selah.-Ver. 9. Mine eye keepeth his commandments dwelleth mourneth by reason of affliction: in him, and he in him: and hereby Lord, I have called daily upon thee; we know that he abideth in us, by the I have stretched out my hands unto Spirit which he hath given us. 1 John thee. Ver. 10. Wilt thou shew woniv. 13. Hereby know we that we dwell ders to the dead?-Ver 13. But unto in him, and he in us, because he hath thee have I cried, O Lord; and in the given us of his Spirit. Ver. 16. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. Heb. vi. 11. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end: Ver. 12. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

P Rom. viii. 16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

91 John v. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

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81. Eph. i. 13. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.

Isa. 1. 10. Who is among you that

morning shall my prayer prevent thee. Ver. 14. Lord, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me? Ver. 15. I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted, &c.

[Ps. lxxvii. 1 to the 12th Verse.] Ver. 1. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. Ver. 2. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. Ver. 3. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed.Ver. 7. Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? &c. Cant. v. 2. I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. Ver. 3. I have put off my coat; how shall I put it

never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair.▾

Q. 82. What is the communion in glory which the members of the invisible church have with Christ?

A. The communion in glory which the members of the invisible church have with Christ, is in this life, immediately after death, and at last perfected at the resurrection and day of judgment.

Q. 83. What is the communion in glory with Christ which the members of the invisible church enjoy in this life?

A. The members of the invisible church have communicated to them in this life the first-fruits of glory with Christ, as they are members of him their head, and so in him are interested in that glory which he is fully possessed of;" and, as an earnest thereof, enjoy the sense of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, and hope of glory;

on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them? Ver. 6. I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. Ps. li. 8. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Ver. 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Ps. xxxi. 22. For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. Ps. xxii. 1. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. Ver. 10. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.

82.2 Cor. iii. 18. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

* Luke xxiii. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

y 1 Thess. iv. 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

83. Eph. ii. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ; (by grace ye are saved;) Ver. 6. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

1 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Job xiií. 15. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will main. tain mine own ways before him. Ps. lxxiii. 15. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. Ver. 23. Nevertheless I am continually with thee; thou hast holden me by my right hand. Isa. liv. 7. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. Ver. 8. In a little wrath I hid my b Rom. v. 1. Therefore, being justiface from thee for a moment; but fied by faith, we have peace with God, with everlasting kindness will I have through our Lord Jesus Christ: Ver. mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy 2. By whom also we have access by Redeemer. Ver. 9. For this is as the faith into this grace wherein we stand, waters of Noah unto me: for as I and rejoice in hope of the glory of have sworn that the waters of Noah God. Rom. xiv. 17. For the kingdom

a Rom. v. 5. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us. Compared with 2 Cor. i. 22. Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

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