Perseverance of the Saints

Definition

Perseverance of the Saints is a theological doctrine that asserts that those who are truly saved will continue in their faith until the end of their lives. This means that once a person has genuinely accepted Christ, they cannot lose their salvation, as God's grace ensures their enduring faith. This belief is often connected to the concepts of election and divine sovereignty, emphasizing that salvation is ultimately maintained by God's power rather than human effort.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints is primarily associated with Reformed theology and is one of the five points of Calvinism, often summarized by the acronym TULIP.
2. This doctrine teaches that true believers will exhibit a consistent pattern of faith and good works as evidence of their salvation.
3. Perseverance is seen as a work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to remain steadfast in their faith throughout life's challenges.
4. Opponents of this doctrine argue that it can lead to complacency in moral behavior, suggesting that some may presume upon grace without true repentance.
5. Scriptural support for this doctrine can be found in verses like Philippians 1:6, which emphasizes God's faithfulness to complete the work He has begun in believers.

Review Questions

• How does the Perseverance of the Saints relate to the concepts of election and divine sovereignty?
  • Perseverance of the Saints connects closely with election and divine sovereignty by affirming that those chosen by God will inevitably maintain their faith. It highlights God's role in ensuring that believers remain steadfast through His grace and power. This means that salvation is not solely dependent on human effort but rather on God's unchanging purpose and faithfulness.
• What are some biblical passages that support the doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints, and how do they illustrate its principles?
  • Biblical passages such as John 10:28-29, which speaks of Jesus giving eternal life to His followers, illustrate the principles of Perseverance of the Saints by assuring believers that no one can snatch them out of His hand. Additionally, Romans 8:38-39 emphasizes that nothing can separate believers from God's love. These scriptures reinforce the idea that true believers will endure in their faith due to God's protective love.
• Evaluate how different Protestant traditions interpret the concept of Perseverance of the Saints and its implications for salvation.
  • Different Protestant traditions vary in their interpretation of Perseverance of the Saints. For instance, Reformed traditions affirm it as a core tenet, viewing it as essential for understanding salvation's security. In contrast, Arminian traditions challenge this view by proposing that believers can fall from grace due to free will choices. This divergence leads to differing implications for how salvation is understood and maintained within each tradition, influencing views on assurance, accountability, and the role of human agency in faith.

Related terms

Eternal Security: The belief that once a person is saved, they are always saved and cannot lose their salvation.

Total Depravity: A doctrine that states that as a result of the Fall, every person is enslaved to sin and incapable of saving themselves without divine intervention.

Grace: The unmerited favor of God toward humanity, which enables salvation and maintains the believer's faith.