"The Doctrine of Eternal Security", "The Doctrine of Perseverance", "Perseverance of the Saints" [1|2|3|5], "Eternal Security" [5|8|13], "Once Saved Always Saved" [5] or "Christian Perseverance" as opposed to The Doctrine of Conditional Security
Subtitle
"More Than Conquerors"
Keywords
assurance, inexpugnable, irrevocable, preservation, perseverance, eternal security
Proof-Texts and Cross-References
Is. 54v17, 55v11 [15]; Mt. 24v24; Mk. 13v32; Jn. 6v37-40 [15], 10v25-30 [15], 18v9; Rom. 8v1, v26-39; 11v29; 1 Cor. 1v4-9; 2 Cor. 2v14-16, 5v17; Philip. 1v6, 2v1 [15]; Eph. 4v30, 6v16; 2 Tim. 2v13, 4v18; Heb. 6v9, 7v25, 10v39; 1 Pt. 1v5, 5v9; 1 Jn. 2v19, 3v9, 4v4, 5v4-5, v18; Jude 1v1, v24
"But ye believe not, because ye are not of My sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand." (Jn. 10v26-29, AKJV, p.474)
"Much more then, having now been declared right by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, being enemies, we were restored to favour with Elohim through the death of His Son, much more, having been restored to favour, we shall be saved by His life." (Rom. 5v9-10, TS, p.1090)
"Because in Him dwells all the completeness of the Mightiness bodily, and you have been made complete in Him, who is the Head of all principality and authority." (Col. 2v9-10, TS, p.1143)
Statements and Confessions
1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith
"Chapter 17: Of The Perseverance of The Saints: I. Those whom God hath accepted in the beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, and given the precious faith of his elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved, seeing the gifts and callings of God are without repentance, whence he still begets and nourisheth in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of the Spirit unto immortality; and though many storms and floods arise and beat against them, yet they shall never be able to take them off that foundation and rock which by faith they are fastened upon; notwithstanding, through unbelief and the temptations of Satan, the sensible sight of the light and love of God may for a time be clouded and obscured from them, yet he is still the same, and they shall be sure to be kept by the power of God unto salvation, where they shall enjoy their purchased possession, they being engraven upon the palm of his hands, and their names having been written in the book of life from all eternity. (Jn. 10v28-29; Philip. 1v6; 2 Tim. 2v19; 1 Jn. 2v19; Ps. 89v31-32; 1 Cor. 11v32; Mal. 3v6) II. This perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father, upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ and union with Him, the oath of God, the abiding of his Spirit, and the seed of God within them, and the nature of the covenant of grace; from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof. (Rom. 8v30 Rom. 9v11, v16; Rom. 5v9-10; Jn. 14v19; Heb. 6v17-18; 1 Jn. 3v9; Jer. 32v40) III. And though they may, through the temptation of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins, and for a time continue therein, whereby they incur God's displeasure and grieve his Holy Spirit, come to have their graces and comforts impaired, have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded, hurt and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgments upon themselves, yet shall they renew their repentance and be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end. (Mt. 26v70, v72, v74; Is. 64v5, v9; Eph. 4v30; Ps. 51v10, v12; Ps. 32v3-4; 2 Sam. 12v14; Lk. 22v32, v61-62)"
Foundational Principles
THE BELIEF, THAT TRUE BELIEVERS PERSEVERE, BECAUSE GOD PROMISED TO FINISH THE WORK OF SALVATION WITHIN THEM
TRUE. If God started the good work of salvation in our lives, He will see it through until the end.
"... being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: ..." (Philip. 1v6, ASV)
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose, a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised it. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also He hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him." (Eccl. 3v1-14, KJV, p.542)
"I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by Whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Cor. 1v4-9, AKJV, p.505)
THE BELIEF, THAT TRUE BELIEVERS PERSEVERE, BECAUSE THEY ARE BORN OF GOD, AND AS A RESULT HABITUALLY OVERCOME
TRUE. As Christians, we passed through Rebirth, whereby we became God's children by birth: "born of God" (Jn 1v13, ASV), "begotten of God" (1 Jn. 3v9, 5v4 and v18, ASV).
"... who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (Jn. 1v13, ASV)
"For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith. And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 Jn. 5v4-5, ASV)
"We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not." (1 Jn. 5v18, ASV)
This birth [or rebirth] were of incorruptible seed.
"... having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth" (1 Pt. 1v23, ASV)
As a result of our divine and incorruptible rebirth, we can NOT and do NOT habitually sin.
"Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because His seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God." (1 Jn. 3v9, ASV)
"For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith. And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 Jn. 5v4-5, ASV)
"We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not." (1 Jn. 5v18, ASV)
THE BELIEF, THAT TRUE BELIEVERS PERSEVERE, BECAUSE THEY WERE INFUSED WITH IRREVOCABLE FAITH
TRUE. We have been infused and shielded (Ep. 6v16) by the irrevocable (Rom. 11v29) Gift of Faith (Ep. 2v8; 1 Cor. 12v9).
And it is because of this irrevocable (Rom. 11v29) Gift of Faith (Ep. 2v8; 1 Cor. 12v9), that we manage to persevere against all odds.
"But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." (Heb. 10v39)
"... withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one" (Ep. 6v16, KJV)
THE BELIEF THAT TRUE BELIEVERS PERSEVERE, BECAUSE OF GOD'S PROVIDENCE
TRUE. We do persevere, because of God's Providence. (Rom. 8v28)
"Now thanks be unto God, which always CAUSETH US TO TRIUMPH in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?" (2 Cor. 2v14-16, AKJV, p.512)
God providentially works everything in our favor. Even if we run in the opposite direction, like Jonah, God works everything in such a way that we still end up in 'Niniveh'.
THE BELIEF, THAT TRUE BELIEVERS PERSEVERE, BECAUSE OF CHRIST'S INTERCESSION ON THEIR BEHALF
TRUE. Jesus do advocate and intercede on our behalf. (Rom. 8v26-27; 1 Jn. 2v1)
THE BELIEF THAT CHRIST NEVER LOOSES ANY OF THOSE GIVEN TO HIM
TRUE.
"All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise Him up at the last day." (Jn. 6v37-40, AKJV, p.471)
THE BELIEF, THAT TRUE BELIEVERS PERSEVERE, BECAUSE OF THEIR NEW NATURE AS NEW CREATURES
TRUE. At our rebirth we were spiritually reborn as 'new creatures'.
"Wherefore IF ANY MAN IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE: the old things are passed away; behold, THEY ARE BECOME NEW." (2 Cor. 5v17, ASV)
As a result of our renewal, we "ARE more than overcomers" (Rom. 8v37, ASV). [16]
"Nay, in all these things WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS through Him that loved us." (Rom. 8v37, ASV)
THE BELIEF, THAT TRUE BELIEVERS PERSEVERE AS A RESULT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT'S INDWELLING
- True Believers persevere, because of the Holy Spirit's Indwelling, for "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 Jn. 4v4).
THE BELIEF, THAT NOTHING CAN SEPARATE TRUE BELIEVERS FROM THE LOVE OF GOD
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit ... And in the same way the Spirit does help in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray, but the Spirit Himself pleads our case for us with groanings unutterable. And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the set-apart ones according to Elohim. And we know that all matters work together for good to those who love Elohim, to those who are called according to His purpose. Because those whom He knew beforehand, He also ordained beforehand to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, for Him to be the first-born among many brothers. And whom He ordained beforehand, these He also called, and whom He called, these He also declared right. And whom He declared right, these He also esteemed. What then shall we say to this? If Elohim is for us, who is against us? Truly, He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up on behalf of us all - how shall He not, along with Him, freely give us all else? Who shall bring any charge against Elohim's chosen ones? It is Elohim who is declaring right. Who is he who is condemning? It is Messiah who died, and furthermore is also raised up, who is also at the right hand of Elohim, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of the Messiah? Shall pressure, or distress, or persecution, or scarcity of food, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it has been written, 'For Your sake we are killed all day long, we are reckoned as sheep of slaughter.' But in all this we are more than overcomers through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor messengers nor principalities nor powers, neither the present nor the future, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of Elohim which is in Messiah YHWH /our Master." (Rom. 8v1, 26-39, TS, p.1093-1094)
Challenges
Contrary to the testimony of Scripture, Arminian theologians often claim that True Christians are "not beyond the possibility of falling from grace through persistent, unrepented-of sin" [7].
Them and their followers we challenge, to name but one thing that may separate True Christians from God?
Should they suggest persecution
No, says Paul, "for all matters work together for good to those who love Elohim, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8v28), whom He "always causeth to triumph in Christ" (2 Cor. 2v14).
"Who shall separate us from the love of the Messiah?" he asks, "Shall ... persecution ... or sword"? (Rom. 8v35).
No, says Paul, "in all this we are more than overcomers through Him who loved us" (Rom. 8v37), "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor messengers nor principalities nor powers, neither the present nor the future, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of Elohim which is in Messiah YHVH our Master" (Rom. 8v38-39) "Because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 Jn. 4v4, AKJV, p.542).
Should they suggest poverty
No, says Paul, "for all matters work together for good to those who love Elohim, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8v28), whom He "always causeth to triumph in Christ" (2 Cor. 2v14).
"Who shall separate us from the love of the Messiah?" he asks, "Shall ... scarcity of food, or nakedness"? (Rom. 8v35).
No, says Paul, "in all this we are more than overcomers through Him who loved us" (Rom. 8v37), "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor messengers nor principalities nor powers, neither the present nor the future, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of Elohim which is in Messiah YHVH our Master" (Rom. 8v38-39) "Because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 Jn. 4v4, AKJV, p.542).
Should they suggest sin
No, says Paul, "for all matters work together for good to those who love Elohim, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8v28), whom He "always causeth to triumph in Christ" (2 Cor. 2v14).
As First John chapter 3 verse 9 says, "Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God." [5] Or as John Calvin's commentary on the same passage confirms, "the power of the Spirit is so effectual, that it necessarily retains us in continual obedience to righteousness" [5]. Or as John Piper says, "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning" [10]
No, says Paul, "in all this we are more than overcomers through Him who loved us" (Rom. 8v37), "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor messengers nor principalities nor powers, neither the present nor the future, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of Elohim which is in Messiah YHVH our Master" (Rom. 8v38-39) "Because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 Jn. 4v4, AKJV, p.542).
Should they suggest the devil
No, says Paul, "for all matters work together for good to those who love Elohim, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8v28), whom He "always causeth to triumph in Christ" (2 Cor. 2v14).
"Who shall separate us from the love of the Messiah?" he asks, "Shall ... messengers ... principalities ... powers ... or any other creature,..."? (Rom. 8v38-39).
No, says Paul, "in all this we are more than overcomers through Him who loved us" (Rom. 8v37), "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor messengers nor principalities nor powers, neither the present nor the future, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of Elohim which is in Messiah YHVH our Master" (Rom. 8v38-39) "Because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 Jn. 4v4, AKJV, p.542).
Conclusion
If you are truly saved my friend, you are saved without a doubt.
Frequently Asked Questions
But what about those people once saved, but now lost?
According to First John chapter 2 verse 19 "they were not [all] of us" to begin with, because "if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us", since "we are not of them who draw back unto perdition" (Heb. 10v39).
So no matter whether I live godly or not, I will be saved?
No. As First John chapter 3 verse 9 says, "Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God." [5] Or as Prof. Dr. John Calvin (1509-1564)'s commentary on the same passage confirms, "the power of the Spirit is so effectual, that it necessarily retains us in continual obedience to righteousness" [5]. Or as John Piper says, "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning" [10]
In other words, by reason of our Spiritual Rebirth into a New Creature, as well as the indwelling (1 Jn. 4v4) and sealing (Ep. 4v30) of the Holy Spirit, and the continual intercession of both, Jesus (Rom. 8v34) and the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8v26), true Christians "through an inflexible disposition" [5], "walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Rom. 8v1).
But Hebrews chapter 6 verses 4 to 6 says believers can fall away?
Hebrews chapter 6 verses 4 to 6 are often used by Arminians, like Pastor Gert Erasmus * of King's Church International Robertson, to defend their Arminian views. Yet, the passage speaks hypothetically, much in the same vein as do Matthew Chapter 24 Verse 24. Verse 9, however, clears up the seeming contradiction with the words, "Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case - things that accompany salvation" (Heb. 6v9, NIV, p.1334).
In other words, that which Paul just suggested does NOT "accompany salvation".
Adherents
known as "Calvinists"
Prof. Dr. John Calvin (1509-1564) [1|5] | Theodora Beza (1519-1605) [7] | George Whitefield (1714-1770) [7] | Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) | Dr. Adrian Rogers (1931-2005) [12] | Dr. John F. MacArthur, Jr. (1939-) [3|6] | Dr. John Piper (1946-) [9|10] | Pastor EJ Hill (1977-) | Cale Rogers [13] | Gise J. Van Baren [2] | Ken Silva [11] | Loraine Boettner | Mark Kielar | Matt Slick [14] | R.B.C. Howell | Steve Amato [5] | Rev. Steven Houck [15]
Videos
Footnotes
* In 1994, Gert quoted Hebrews chapter 6 in defense of his Arminian views.
Bibliography
1. Perseverance of the Saints (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; 5 September 2010)
2. Gise J. Van Baren. The Perseverance of The Saints (Reformed Free Publishing Association; 25 May 2008)
3. John F. MacArthur, Jr. Perseverance of the Saints (Sun Valley, CA: The Master's Seminary Journal, 13248 Roscoe Blvd., 91352, Spring 1993; 25 May 2008), pp.5-24.
4. Doctrine of Eternal Security (Maranatha Church, Inc; 1998)
5. Steve Amato. John Calvin on Antinomianism and the Perseverance of the Saints (Berean Christian Bible Study Resources; 10 February 2009)
6. John MacArthur, Jr. Saved Without A Doubt: How to Be Sure about Your Salvation (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1825 College Avenue, 60187)
7. Arminianism (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; 5 September 2010)
8. J. Matthew Pinson, ed (2002). Four Views on Eternal Security (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan) ISBN 0310234395
9. John Piper. What is perseverance of the saints? (YouTube; 7 January 2008)
10. John Piper. No One Born of God Makes a Practice of Sinning (YouTube; 15 March 2008)
11. Ken Silva. Beliefs (Apprising Ministries; 28 September 2010)
12. Dr. Adrian Rogers (1931-2005). God Will Finish What He Started (Love Worth Finding Ministries; 28 September 2010)
13. Cale Rogers. Eternal Security (YouTube; 3 January 2009)
14. Matt Slick. What I believe (Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry; 14 October 2010)
15. Rev. Steven Houck. The Christ of Arminianism (Protestant Reformed Churches; 16 July 2000)
16. EJ Hill. The Nature of True Believers (Hillside; 9 September 2012) ✔
Revisions
25.05.2008 / 13.06.2008 / 20.08.2010 / 05.09.2010 / 13.09.2010 / 28-29.09.2010 / 11.10.2010 / 14.10.2010 / 17.10.2010 / 10.01.2011 / 13.01.2011 / 15.01.2011 / 21.10.2011 / 07.12.2011 / 08-09.09.2012
