1689 Confession, Perseverance of the Saints, Introduction

1689 Confession of Faith, Ch. 17, Introduction.

I: The law and perseverance.

II: Why Perseverance?
A: Perseverance vs Eternal Security.
B: Perseverance vs Preservation.

III: Perseverance "Unto Salvation"- a Trinitarian Work.

IV: Perseverance a Gospel Grace.
A: Objectively.
B: Subjectively.

V: Perseverance is NOT, Perseverance IS. (From AW Pink, Eternal Security)
A. Perseverance does NOT mean:
--that every PROFESSING Christian will reach Heaven.
--that SEEMING grace cannot be lost.
--that initial and preparatory grace is a guarantee of glorification.
--that true grace if left in our hands would not be lost.
--That true grace may not be hindered in its operations and suffer a relapse.
--that the comforts of true grace cannot be eclipsed.
--that the presence of indwelling grace renders it unnecessary that its possessor should persevere.

B. Perseverance DOES mean: It is to "continue following the Lord our God" (1 Samuel 2:14), to "walk in the paths of righteousness" (Psalm 23:5), to be "steadfast in the covenant" (Psalm 78:37), to "endure unto the end" (Matthew 24:13), to "deny self and take up the cross daily" (Luke 9:23), to "abide in Christ" (John 15:4), to "cleave unto the Lord" (Acts 1L23), to "press toward the mark" (Philippians 3:14), to "continue in the faith grounded and settled" (Colossians 1:13), to "hold faith and a good conscience" (1 Timothy 1:19), to "hold fast the confidence and rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end" (Hebrews 3:6), to "run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1), to "stablish our hearts" (James 5:8), to "be faithful unto death" (Revelation 2:10).