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justification (s), yet they differ, in that God in justification imputeth the righteousness of Christ (t); in sanctification his Spirit infuseth grace, and enableth to the exercise thereof (v); in the former, sin is pardoned (w); in the other, it is subdued (x): 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 (y); the other is neither equal in all (z), nor in this life perfect in any (a), 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 (c), are hindered in all their spi

(1 Cor. 1. 30. But of him Are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

(t) Rom. 4. 6, 8. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

(v) Ezek. 36. 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.

(w) Rom. 3. 24, 25. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.

(x) Rom. 6. 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,

(y) Rom. 8. 33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

(z) Heb. 5. 13, 14. For every one that useth milk, is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of fuil age, even those who, by reason of use, have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

And if we

(a) 1 John 1. 8. say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. v. 10. If we say, that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(b) 2 Cor. 7. 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,

(c) Rom. 7. 18, 23. 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. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind,

ritual services (d), and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of God (e).

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 (f), and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance (g), their inseparable union with Christ (h), his continual intercession for them (i), and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them (k), can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace (1), 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 (n), may, without

and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members.

(d) Heb. 12. 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 with patience the race that is set before us.

(e) Isa. 64. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our inquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

(f) Jer. 31. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: there fore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.

(g) 2 Tim. 2. 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.

(h) 1 Cor. 1. 8. 9. Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

(i) Heb. 7. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

(k) 1 John 3. 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) Jer. 32. 40. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good: but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.

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

(n) 1 John 2. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

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 promises of life are made (o), and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God (p), be infallibly assured, that they are in the estate of grace, and shall persevere therein unto salvation (q).

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 (r), true believers may wait long before they obtain it (s); and, after the enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, through manifold distempers, sins, temptations, and desertions (t); yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God, as keeps them from sinking into utter despair (v).

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

(o) 1 Cor. 2. 12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 1 John 3. 14. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren: he that loveth not his brother, abideth in death.

(p) Rom. 8. 16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.

(q) 1 John 5. 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.

(r) Eph. 1. 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.

(s) Isa. 50. 10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.

(t) Psalm 31. 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. Psalm 22. 1. My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roar ing?

(1 John 3. 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 13. 15. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain

the invisible church have with Christ, is in this life (w), immediately after death (x), and at last perfected at the resurrection and day of judgment (y).

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 (z); and, as an earnest thereof, enjoy the sense of God's love (a), peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, and hope of glory (b): as, on the contrary, sense of God's revenging wrath, horror of conscience, and a fearful expectation of judgment, are, to the wicked, the beginning of their torments which they shall endure after death (c).

Q. 84. Shall all men die ?

A. Death being threatened as the wages of sin (d), it

mine own ways before him. Isa. 54. 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.

(w) 2 Cor. 3. 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.

(a) Luke 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

(y) 1 Thess. 4. 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.

(z) Eph. 2. 5, 6. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). And hath

raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

(a) Rom. 5. 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.

(b) Romans 5. 1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 14. 17. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

(c) Genesis 4. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Mat. 27.4. Saying, I have sinned, in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. Heb. 10. 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

(d) Romans 6. 23. For the wages of sin is death; but the

is appointed unto all men once to die (e); for that all have sinned (f).

Q. 85. Death being the wages of sin, why are not the righteous delivered from death, seeing all their sins are forgiven in Christ?

A. The righteous shall be delivered from death itself at the last day, and even in death are delivered from the sting and curse of it (g), so that, although they die, yet it is out of God's love (h), to free them perfectly from sin and misery (i), and to make them capable of further communion with Christ in glory, which they then enter upon (k).

Q. 86. What is the communion in glory with Christ, which the members of the invisible church enjoy immediately after death?

A. The communion in glory with Christ, which the members of the invisible church enjoy immediately after death, is, in that their souls are then made perfect in holiness (1), and received into the highest heavens (m),

gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(e) Heb. 9. 27. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

(f) Rom. 5. 12. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

(g) 1 Cor. 15. 26, 55. The last enemy that shall be destroyed, is death. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

(h) Isa. 57. 1, 2. The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace; they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness,

(i) Rev. 14. 13. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead

which die in the Lord, from henceforth yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their la bours; and their works do follow them. Eph. 5. 27. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy, and without blemish.

(k) Luke 23. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Philippians 1. 23. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ: which is far bet

ter.

(1) Hebrews 12. 23. To the general assembly and church, of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.

(m) 2 Cor. 5. 1. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we