Perseverance of the Saints

Philippians 1:6 -- being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

I. The Doctrine Defined

See Chapter 17 LBCF – page 679 in our hymn book

II. Wrong Views that Oppose this Doctrine

A.  Falling from Grace (Losing your Salvation)

B.  Apostasy (Covenant Faithfulness)

C.  Decisionism

Lorraine Boettner in the “The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination” says:
“The doctrines of Election and Efficacious Grace logically imply the certain salvation of
those who receive these blessings.  If God has chosen men absolutely and unconditionally
to eternal life, and if His Spirit effectually applies to them the benefits of redemption, the 	inescapable conclusion is that these persons shall be saved.”

D.  What should we think of those teachers who say one can fall from grace, 	
or refuse to say whether or not this is possible for a Christian?
    1.  They are unsafe guides
    2.  It shows an obvious defect in their view of the work of the Holy Spirit.

III. Scriptural proofs for the Perseverance of the Saints

John 6:39-40; 10:26-30; 17:11-12
Romans 8:28-30; 8:35-39
1 Thess. 5:23-24
2 Timothy 2:11-13; 4:18
1 Peter 1:3-5; Jude 1, 24-25
2 Cor. 4:14, 17; Eph. 1:5, 13-14
Heb. 9:12, 15; 1 John 5:4, 11-20