Perseverance of the Saints

Definition

Perseverance of the Saints is a theological doctrine that asserts that once a person is truly saved, they will continue in faith and cannot permanently fall away from salvation. This concept is rooted in Calvinist thought, emphasizing the idea of God's sovereignty in ensuring the ultimate salvation of believers. It suggests that genuine faith is evidenced by a continued commitment to God and an enduring relationship with Him, influencing both personal conduct and communal practices within the Puritan movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Perseverance of the Saints is a key tenet of Reformed theology and is one of the five points of Calvinism, often summarized by the acronym TULIP.
2. Puritans believed that true believers would exhibit evidence of their salvation through a transformed life, characterized by good works and adherence to God's commands.
3. This doctrine provided comfort to believers, assuring them that their salvation was secure and not based solely on their actions or fluctuating emotions.
4. Writings from Puritan leaders, such as Jonathan Edwards, emphasized perseverance as an important aspect of the Christian experience, highlighting the relationship between faith and obedience.
5. The concept also played a role in shaping Puritan communal life, as believers sought to hold each other accountable in their spiritual journeys, encouraging consistency in faith.

Review Questions

• How does the doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints reflect the broader themes of Puritan theology?
  • The doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints is integral to Puritan theology, which emphasizes God's sovereignty and grace in the salvation process. This belief reflects a broader theme within Puritanism that underscores the importance of a personal relationship with God, where genuine faith is demonstrated through continued devotion and moral living. The idea that true believers cannot ultimately fall away reinforces the Puritans' commitment to living out their faith in a way that aligns with God's expectations.
• In what ways did Perseverance of the Saints influence Colonial writing and literature among Puritans?
  • Perseverance of the Saints significantly influenced Colonial writing by shaping themes related to faith, morality, and personal accountability. Puritan authors often wrote about spiritual struggles, evidencing their belief in the necessity of perseverance in one's faith journey. Literature from this period frequently addressed notions of assurance and fear regarding salvation, reflecting the tension between divine grace and human responsibility. This emphasis on perseverance also fostered a communal environment where narratives encouraged mutual support among believers.
• Evaluate how the concept of Perseverance of the Saints could be seen as both reassuring and challenging for early American Puritans in their spiritual lives.
  • Perseverance of the Saints served as both a source of reassurance and a challenge for early American Puritans. On one hand, it provided comfort by affirming that true believers are eternally secure in their salvation and that God would sustain them through trials. On the other hand, it posed challenges as individuals were constantly encouraged to examine their lives for evidence of genuine faith; failure to demonstrate consistent commitment could lead to doubts about one's salvation. This duality created an intense spiritual atmosphere where self-reflection and accountability became central tenets of Puritan life.

Related terms

Total Depravity: The belief that as a result of the Fall, every aspect of humanity is corrupted by sin, making it impossible for individuals to come to God without divine intervention.

Unconditional Election: The doctrine that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, independent of any foreseen merit or action on their part.

Irresistible Grace: The belief that God's grace to save a person cannot be resisted, and those whom God has chosen will inevitably come to faith.