The word “perseverance” can be problematic because it implies we initiate it or can bring it about in ourselves. Another terminology of this doctrinal word that does more justice is the word “preservation.” The preservation of the saints suggests that we who have been chosen by God the Father, saved by God the Son, and brought to life by God the Holy Spirit will remain saved forever. Not a single one of us will fall away completely. Here an unoriginal quote of which I know not the author: “If you have it, you will never lose it; if you lose it, you never had it.”
As the baptism phraseology goes: “Buried with Christ. Raised to walk in newness of life.” The Holy Spirit not only raised us from the grave in the spiritual sense, but He also raised us to everlasting life. Being saved, we do not only want to receive Jesus, but we also are preserved by God, giving Him glory. He is the Originator and the Sustainer of our faith; therefore, those that have been really saved by the Holy Spirit can never and will never lose their salvation. All that the Father gave to Christ will never fall away—the promise of God.
It in no way means that we will never sin; it just means that we no longer want to live a life that displeases Jesus, our Savior. We as regenerated Christians are instantly repentant when we fall and sin because we are new creation. We should be more satisfied when God is most glorified…in our lives. The best example of preservation of the saints is the thief on the cross with Christ; God preserved his life until the exact moment, so that the riches of His mercy might be demonstrated.
Here is just one passage of Scripture that shines light on this topic:
Matthew 24:9-13
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.
11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.
12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Well…the five point of Calvinism series is over (it’s sad, I know lol). Feel free to comment, make an observation, object, or anything of that nature, if you feel so led.
God Bless!
~Z
COMING SOON...A CYNICAL POST ON THE FREE HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION PASSED BY CONGRESS AND RIDICULOUSNESS OF EVERYTHING INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS AND IN BETWEEN…YEAH…IT’S GONNA BE GOOD!!!
7 thoughts:
Good to see a young man wrestling with the Word of God and with theology! Keep up the good work.
Just found your blog-glad I did! Really enjoyed the 5 point series. The way you expound on each point makes it accessible to those who might otherwise think the 5 points are scary!...will help a lot of folks out there understand (as opposed to just throwing an acronym at them!)Looking forward to your satire on that wonderful health care bill!
Z,
There is a reason why the last point in Calvinism is worded the "perseverance" and not the "preservation" of the saints. It's because in sanctification we actually do "work out our salvation" even though we might do it in fear and trembling. The passage you quoted finishes "who endure to the end" there's the perseverance.
Calvinism balances the work of God in salvation with the work we are expected to do as a result of being born again. It's taking James' viewpoint "show me your faith without works he said, and I will show you my faith *through* my works.
We don't make a few half-hearted attempts at being holy we actually do (through the upholding of the Holy Spirit) continue day and night in well-doing. Looking for a genuine Christian? He's the one getting his hands dirty *being* godly rather than the one talking about it. He's the one who, seeing the wounded man on the side of the road does more than pray for him - he takes him to a doctor gets the wounds bandaged and makes sure he has someplace to stay until he is fully recovered.
Revival is followed by Reformation in Calvinism. If there's no Reformation there was no Revival. And we persevere - in spite of opposition and persecution, in spite of calumnies and praises and even worse in the face of indifference and apathy. We persevere because we know who is at work in us to will and do of his good pleasure. Because we know what it cost God to save us and our gratitude makes us aware that nothing we can ever do will be but a tiny fraction of a sing that we are thankful.
We are preserved, yes. But that last point is a reminder that we are responsible to live godly lives who have first been touched by the glory of God.
Thank you
--The Seeking Disciple, thereformedtraveler, and Kaitiaki--
for commenting and checking out my blog. It's nice to know that I am not the only Christian in the blogisphere that believes in crazy things like Calvinism LOL :) THANK YOU!!!
God Bless you all! Stand strong for Jesus!
In Christ,
~Zach S.
Zach, the doctrines of grace are precious to the child of God. Don't be waylaid or angry with those who can't of don't see as you do. None of us got here on our doing.
I'm very encouraged to come across your blog and see a younger man wrestling and pursuing his God in the scriptures.
I thought this debate from last Thursday would be of interest to you. I listened to it and thought it was a solid debate on this and related issues. The second debate was scheduled for tonight.
http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php?itemid=3832
Blessings as you follow Jesus Christ.
Thank you Tim for reading and for commenting.
I assure you that I am not angry at anyone who doesn't see things the way I do, when it comes to Calvinism. If it wasn't for God's grace, I wouldn't be who I am now--it's all because of Jesus and His redemption.
Thank you for your kind words--I am just glad I am not the only weirdo who has the audacity to believe in things such as Calvinism (sarcasm added :D)
God bless you sir and continue to stand strong for Jesus,
In Christ,
~Zach S.
Thanks, Zach for your overview of Calvinism. I myself am a Reformed Baptist and enjoyed reading the posts... You covered it very well!
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