The Preservation of the Saints

“The p of tulip stands for perseverance, the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Like other terms represented by the acrostic tulip, perseverance is somewhat misleading. It suggests that the continuity of faith and obedience is accomplished by the believer alone. Indeed the believer does persevere in faith and godliness, but this is due to the gracious work of God in his behalf. More accurate than perseverance is preservation. We persevere because we are preserved by God. If left to our own strength, none of us would persevere. Only because we are preserved by grace are we able to persevere at all.” – R.C. Sproul