Topical Encyclopedia The doctrine of final perseverance, often referred to as the perseverance of the saints, is a theological concept that emphasizes the necessity of enduring faith and steadfastness in the Christian life to attain ultimate salvation. This doctrine is rooted in the belief that true believers, those genuinely regenerated by the Holy Spirit, will persevere in faith until the end of their earthly lives. The concept is supported by various passages in Scripture, which highlight the importance of continued faithfulness and the dangers of falling away.Biblical Foundations 1. Endurance in Faith: The New Testament frequently underscores the necessity of perseverance. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches, "But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). This statement implies that salvation is not merely a one-time event but a lifelong journey requiring steadfastness. 2. Warnings Against Falling Away: The Epistle to the Hebrews provides stern warnings about the possibility of apostasy. Hebrews 6:4-6 states, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit... if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance." This passage serves as a caution against complacency and underscores the need for vigilance in maintaining one's faith. 3. The Role of Trials: James 1:12 highlights the refining role of trials in the believer's life: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." Trials are seen as opportunities for growth and endurance, essential for final perseverance. 4. Assurance and Security: While the necessity of perseverance is emphasized, Scripture also provides assurance of God's sustaining power. Philippians 1:6 offers comfort: "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." This assurance does not negate the need for perseverance but rather affirms God's role in enabling believers to endure. 5. The Example of Paul: The Apostle Paul serves as a model of perseverance. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8 , he reflects on his own journey: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness." Paul's life exemplifies the commitment and endurance required of believers. Theological Implications The doctrine of final perseverance is closely linked to the broader theological framework of salvation. It emphasizes the dynamic nature of salvation, which involves initial justification, ongoing sanctification, and ultimate glorification. Perseverance is seen as evidence of genuine faith and the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. Practical Considerations For believers, the call to perseverance is both a challenge and an encouragement. It challenges Christians to remain vigilant, to cultivate spiritual disciplines, and to rely on God's grace in times of trial. It also encourages believers by reminding them of God's faithfulness and the promise of eternal life for those who endure. In summary, the necessity of final perseverance in salvation is a vital aspect of Christian doctrine, urging believers to remain faithful and steadfast in their journey of faith, assured of God's sustaining grace and the hope of eternal life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 10:22And you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Final Perseverance Perseverance of Saints. The Objects of Merit That the Happiness of Dying in Heavenly Charity is a Special Gift ... Sanctification. Of Holy Perseverance in Sacred Love. Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace ... Perseverance of Saints. The Declaration of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. ... On the Effects of the Redemption Resources What is the plan of salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the steps to salvation? | GotQuestions.org How can you believe in salvation by faith alone when the only occurrence of 'faith alone' in the Bible (James 2:24) says that salvation is not by faith alone? | GotQuestions.org Salvation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Salvation is Deliverance From: Enemies Salvation is Deliverance From: Eternal Death Salvation is Deliverance From: Sin Salvation is Deliverance From: The Devil Salvation is Deliverance From: This Present Evil World Salvation is Deliverance From: Uncleanness Salvation is Deliverance From: Wrath Salvation is Far off from the Wicked Salvation is of the Appointment of God Salvation is of the Patience of God Salvation is of the Purpose of God Salvation is Through Faith in Christ Salvation of Israel, Predicted Salvation of the Gentiles, Predicted Salvation: All the Earth Shall See Salvation: Announced After the Fall Salvation: Came to the Gentiles Through the Fall of the Jews Salvation: Christ: Appointed For Salvation: Christ: Brings, With Him Salvation: Christ: Came to Effect Salvation: Christ: Died to Effect Salvation: Christ: Exalted to Give Salvation: Christ: Mighty to Effect Salvation: Christ: Raised up For Salvation: Christ: The Author of Salvation: Christ: The Captain of Salvation: Confession of Christ Necessary To Salvation: Final Perseverance Necessary To Salvation: from Generation to Generation Salvation: from Sin, to be Worked out With Fear and Trembling Salvation: God is Willing to Give Salvation: Godly Sorrow Works Repentance To Salvation: Illustrated by a Cup Salvation: Illustrated by a Helmet Salvation: Illustrated by a Horn Salvation: Illustrated by a Lamp Salvation: Illustrated by a Rock Salvation: Illustrated by a Shield Salvation: Illustrated by a Tower Salvation: Illustrated by a Victory Salvation: Illustrated by Chariots Salvation: Illustrated by Clothing Salvation: Illustrated by Typified by the Bronze Serpent Salvation: Illustrated by Walls and Bulwarks Salvation: Illustrated by Wells Salvation: Ministers are a Sweet Savour of Christ to God, in Those Who Obtain Salvation: Ministers: Give the Knowledge of Salvation: Ministers: should be Clothed In Salvation: Ministers: should Endure Suffering That the Elect May Obtain Salvation: Ministers: should Exhort To Salvation: Ministers: should Labour to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: should Use Self-Denial to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: Show the Way of Salvation: No Escape for Those Who Neglect Salvation: Preaching the Word is the Appointed Means of Salvation: Reconciliation to God, a Pledge of Salvation: Regeneration Necessary To Salvation: Revealed in the Gospel Salvation: Saints are Heirs of Salvation: Saints: Appointed to Obtain Salvation: Saints: Ascribe, to God Salvation: Saints: Beautified With Salvation: Saints: Clothed With Salvation: Saints: Commemorate, With Thanks Salvation: Saints: Daily Approach Nearer To Salvation: Saints: Earnestly Look For Salvation: Saints: Evidence, by Works Salvation: Saints: Have a Token of, in Their Patient Suffering for Christ Salvation: Saints: Have, Through Grace Salvation: Saints: Kept by the Power of God To Salvation: Saints: Praise God For Salvation: Saints: Pray for a Joyful Sense of Salvation: Saints: Pray for the Assurance of Salvation: Saints: Pray to be Visited With Salvation: Saints: Receive, As the End of Their Faith Salvation: Saints: Satisfied By Salvation: Saints: Welcome the Tidings of Salvation: Searched Into and Exhibited by the Prophets Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Earthly Power Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Idols Salvation: The Gospel is the Power of God To Salvation: The Heavenly Host Ascribe, to God Salvation: The Scriptures are Able to Make Wise To Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Salvation-having (1 Occurrence) |
    |