Q.82. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

A. No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God,[y] but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed.[z]

[y] Eccl. 7:20. 1 John 1:8,10. Gal. 5:17.

[z] Gen. 6:5. Gen. 8:21. Rom. 3:9-21. James 3:2-13.

We are here taught,

1. That no mere man since the fall is able, in this life, to keep the commandments of God perfectly.

2. That all men, in this life, break the commandments of God daily.

3. That we all daily break the commandments of God in our thoughts.

4. That we all daily break the commandments of God in our words and conversation.

5. That we all daily break the commandments of God in our actions.