Perseverance of the Saints

Definition

Perseverance of the Saints is a theological concept that asserts that once a person is truly saved, they will continue in faith and cannot ultimately fall away from grace. This belief emphasizes God's sovereignty in salvation and the idea that true believers will endure in their faith until the end, supported by the assurance of eternal life. It highlights a key difference between various Protestant traditions regarding salvation and divine grace.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Perseverance of the Saints is closely linked to Reformed theology, particularly in Calvinism, where it reflects God's unchanging grace in the life of a believer.
2. This doctrine offers assurance to believers that their salvation is secure, leading to a lifestyle of obedience and good works as evidence of genuine faith.
3. In contrast to Arminianism, which posits that a believer can lose their salvation through deliberate sin or rejection of faith, perseverance suggests an unwavering commitment from God to uphold His elect.
4. Biblical support for this doctrine can be found in passages like John 10:28-29, where Jesus states that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand.
5. Historical debates around this concept have influenced major Protestant movements, affecting the understanding of grace and free will within Christianity.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of Perseverance of the Saints differentiate between Calvinism and Arminianism?
  • The concept of Perseverance of the Saints is central to Calvinism, which teaches that once someone is genuinely saved, they will continue in their faith and cannot lose their salvation. In contrast, Arminianism holds that believers can choose to turn away from God and lose their salvation. This difference highlights contrasting views on divine sovereignty and human free will within the broader context of Protestant theology.
• What role does biblical scripture play in supporting the doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints?
  • Biblical scripture plays a critical role in supporting Perseverance of the Saints by providing evidence that true believers are secure in their salvation. Verses such as John 10:28-29 illustrate that once someone is saved, they are held securely by Jesus and cannot be lost. Additionally, passages like Romans 8:38-39 affirm that nothing can separate believers from the love of God, reinforcing this theological concept.
• Evaluate how the doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints influences Christian behavior and ethical living among believers.
  • The doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints influences Christian behavior by fostering a sense of security in one's salvation, which encourages believers to live obediently and pursue holiness. Because they believe that their salvation is assured, true believers are motivated to demonstrate their faith through good works and moral living as evidence of their genuine relationship with God. This understanding shapes their ethical decisions, leading them to prioritize spiritual growth and community involvement as expressions of their faith journey.

Related terms

Election: The doctrine that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world.

Justification: The act of being declared righteous in the sight of God, typically understood as a result of faith in Jesus Christ.

Sanctification: The process by which a believer is made holy, often involving spiritual growth and moral transformation through the work of the Holy Spirit.