Dort’s royals call the doctrine of the preservation/perseverance of the saints, (sometimes called the preservation of the chosen), an “invaluable treasure”. Here is a more detailed position and description of the errors to avoid in this discussion.
Perseverance can be defined as the continuous operation of the Holy Spirit in the believer, by which the work of divine grace, begun in the heart, continues and ends; because God never abandons His work, believers endure to the end (Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology [Systematic Theology? Christian Culture])
- In short.
- These texts teach us that those whom the Father loves.
- For whom Jesus died and which the Spirit regenerates.
- Will be kept forever by the Lord.
- Breeding churches in developments/suburbs? Let me present a number of reasons:.
35 Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life; What comes to me will never be hungry; and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I have already told them that though they have seen me, they do not believe. 37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and whatever happens to me, I won’t turn it down in any way. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And the will of him that sent me is that nothing should lose of all that he hath given me; on the contrary, I will resurrect him on the last day. 40 For it is the will of my Father that all that see the Son, and believe in him, may have eternal life; and I’ll resurrect you on the last day.
I give you eternal life; they will never perish and no one will take them out of my hand.
The doctrine of the perseverance of the Saints can really stimulate our worship, lead us to praise, gladden us, and prepare us for the one-day death. We have a responsibility to teach it boldly and simply to comfort those who belong. What could be better than knowing that Christ not only died to save sinners, but in his sovereign mercy and grace, we can be sure that he will keep those he has called to the end?
23 The God himself of peace sanctifies you in all; and may your mind, soul, and body remain intact and unspotted at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He is faithful to you, who will too (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).