---
title: "Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints | RP Testimony"
description: "Chapter 17 of the RP Testimony: Of the Perseverance of the Saints. Read the 2026 RPCNA Constitution text, Scripture proofs, and the corresponding Westminster Confession chapter."
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-17-perseverance-of-the-saints/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=59"
---

# Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints | RP Testimony

1. Men may profess faith in Jesus Christ and have the outward appearance of being regenerate, for a time, and yet finally fall away from this profession. Heb. 6:4-8; 2 Pet. 2:20-22.

2. We reject the view that, because it appears to happen in human observation, true believers can fall away and be eternally lost. 1 John 2:19.

3. The Church cannot discern hypocrites so long as they continue to profess the true religion, and appear obedient to the law of God. 1 Sam. 16:7.

4. We reject the view that the Church is able to judge the hearts of men. Ps. 7:9; Ps. 75:7; Jer. 17:9-10.

5. We reject the accusation that the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is opposed to the believers’ responsibility to pursue their own growth in holiness.

## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13)

These explanations are separate from the official text above.

Words to knowPerseveranceContinuing in faith to the end because God keeps his people.SaintsGod’s people made holy in Christ, rather than only unusually famous Christians.RejectsSays that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.

### Testimony 17.1

Someone can profess faith and appear to be a Christian for a time, then abandon that profession. Outward appearances do not prove new spiritual life.

[Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-17-perseverance-of-the-saints/#point-1)

### Testimony 17.2

The Testimony rejects concluding from someone’s departure that a person truly saved by God can finally be lost.

[Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-17-perseverance-of-the-saints/#point-2)

### Testimony 17.3

The church cannot always tell who truly believes. Some people speak and act like Christians without truly trusting Christ. God knows their hearts.

[Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-17-perseverance-of-the-saints/#point-3)

### Testimony 17.4

The Testimony rejects claiming that the church can see or judge a person’s hidden heart as God can.

[Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-17-perseverance-of-the-saints/#point-4)

### Testimony 17.5

The Testimony rejects the charge that God’s preservation of believers removes their responsibility to grow in holiness.

[Read original point 5 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-17-perseverance-of-the-saints/#point-5)

### Talk about it

Why should God’s promise to keep us encourage us to obey him?

### Discuss and remember

Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about.

- Who keeps Christ’s people safe in their salvation?
- Why does God’s keeping care encourage us to keep following Him?

#### Scripture to remember

John 10:28

[Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=John%2010%3A28)

Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week.

#### Put it into practice

Read Jesus’ promise and pray for help to persevere.

[Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/)

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=59)

## Related reading

- [Salvation by grace through faith](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/salvation-by-grace/)
- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-10-effectual-calling/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 29: How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-29-how-are-we-made-partakers-of-the-redemption-purchased/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 67: What is effectual calling?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-67-what-is-effectual-calling/)
- [Westminster Confession · Chapter 17](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-17-perseverance-of-the-saints/)
- [Chapter 16](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-16-good-works/)
- [Chapter 18](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-18-assurance-of-grace-and-salvation/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-17-perseverance-of-the-saints/