Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 81

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

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

Scripture proofs: Eph. 1:13; Isa. 1:10; Ps. 88:1-18; Ps. 77:1-12; Song of Sol. 5:2-3, 6; Ps. 51:8, 12; Ps. 31:22; Ps. 22:1; 1 John 3:9; Job 13:15; Ps. 73:15, 23; Isa. 54:7-10.

Source: The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, updated 2026, B-14, B-15.

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

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Assurance of salvation

Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation

What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

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?