Of the Perseverance of the Saints, XVII:3

Nevertheless, they may, through the temptations of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of the means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins; and, for a time, continue therein: whereby they incur God's displeasure, and grieve His Holy Spirit, come to be deprived of some measure of their graces and comforts, have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded; hurt and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgments upon themselves.

We previously defined perseverance as a Christian duty. This paragraph outlines what happens when we fail to do as we ought. There are several biblical examples--preserved for our instruction and exhortation--of such falls and lapses.

Dangers that may lead to a fall include the temptations of Satan and the world, the residual corruption of sin despite our renewal unto life in Christ by the Holy Spirit, and our neglect of the means of preservation. Among the last are included prayer, reading the Scriptures, participation in community worship, making good use of the sacraments, and Christian fellowship and accountability. All of these are means of grace, vehicles by which God empowers and strengthens us for running the race set before us. They could be likened to the training regimen undertaken by an elite athlete.

The Confession lists the potential consequences of a fall or lapse. Through their disobedience, Christians may experience:

1) God's displeasure

2) deprivation of some measure of grace and comforts

3) hardening of hearts

4) wounding of consciences

5) temporal judgments

In addition, wayward Christians may grieve the Holy Spirit and bring hurt and scandal to other believers. When the list is expanded in this way it becomes easier to see just how extensive the consequences of our sins can be.

Here I will take a break over Christmas. Look for a resumption of posts introducing the subject of Christian assurance on the 27th. For all those who observe Christmas, I pray God will grant you his special blessings this season.