Articles of Faith 11 and 12

We are continuing our study of the Baptist Articles of Faith in our Adult Sunday School class. It is good we are reminded of why we believe what we believe and not just to follow after something because 'that's the way we've always done it'.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

XI. OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS 

We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; (John 8:31; 1 John 2:27-28; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 5:18)
that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; (1 John 2:19; John 13:18; Matthew 13:20-21; John 6:66-69)
that a special Providence watches over their welfare; (Romans 8:28; Matthew 6:30-33; Jeremiah 32:40; Psalms 121:2); Psalms 91:11-12)
and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. (Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:12-13; Jude 1:24-25; Hebrews 1:14; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 4:4) 
  

XII.  OF THE HARMONY OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL 

We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; (Romans 3:31; Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:17; Romans 3:20; Romans 4:15)
that it is holy, just, and good; (Romans 7:12; Romans 7:7; Romans 7:14; Romans 7:22; Galatians 3:21 ; Psalms 119
and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfil its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin; (Romans 8:7-8; Joshua 24:19; Jeremiah 13:23; John 6:44; John 5:44)

to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church. (Romans 8:22-4; Romans 10:4; Hebrews 8:10; Romans 12:14; Jude 120-21)