Sin which does not thus reign, is that which the sinner resists by the grace of the Holy Spirit. It does not, therefore, expose him to eternal death, because he has repented and found favor through Christ. Such sins are disordered inclinations and unholy desires, a want of righteousness, and many sins of ignorance, of omission, and of infirmity, which remain in the godly as long as they continue in this life; but which they, nevertheless, acknowledge, deplore, hate, resist, and earnestly pray may be forgiven them for the sake of Christ, the Mediator, saying, forgive us our debts. Hence the godly retain their faith and consolation, notwithstanding they are not free from these sins. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” “It is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” “There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk after the Spirit.” “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.” (1 John 1:8. Rom. 7:18; 8:1. Ps. 19:13.)
—Ursinus, Body of Orthodox Doctrine of the Explication of the Catechism, on Q. 7.
R. Scott Clark
R.Scott Clark is the President of the Heidelberg Reformation Association, the author and editor of, and contributor to several books and the author of many articles. He has taught church history and historical theology since 1997 at Westminster Seminary California. He has also taught at Wheaton College, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Concordia University. He has hosted the Heidelblog since 2007.
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Amen! Thank you for introducing me to Ursinus and many others of the era of Reformed orthodoxy, Dr Clark.
Thank you for sharing that, Dr. Clark. God’s wonderful promise is a great encouragment!
Hear, hear Ursinus! True words concerning the present state of the redeemed… words of spiritual comfort as we battle sin, flesh, and Devil as children of God. Thank you, Scott Clark.