Articles
Perseverance of the Saints
Jesus said, "in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9).
The "P" of the TULIP doctrine of John Calvin is called Perseverance of the Saints. This false doctrine of man says, "They whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace: but shall certainly persevere therein to the end and be eternally saved” (Westminster Confession of Faith).
This false doctrine of man is better known as Unconditional Security or Once Saved Always Saved. This doctrine of man is best described by a Pastor of the First Baptist church, Sam Morris: “We take the position that a Christian’s sins do not damn his soul! The way a Christian lives, what he says, his character, his conduct, or his attitude toward other people have nothing whatever to do with the salvation of his soul…all the sins he may commit from idolatry to murder will not make his soul in any more danger…the way a man lives has nothing whatever to do with the salvation of his soul!”
Wow!! Did you hear that? Friend, do you really believe the Bible teaches such a doctrine? Neither do I. Let’s take a little closer look at God’s Word to demonstrate the truth on this matter.
The apostle Paul said that a Christian CAN fall from grace, “You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal 5:4). Notice, Paul said “severed from Christ”. Does not reason suggest to be severed from you have to first be a part of? And to fall from grace suggests having been in grace. Paul says plainly that a Christian can sin and be lost. Read that again.
The verbally inspired writer of the book of Hebrews makes it very clear concerning one in Christ being very capable of falling from grace and being eternally lost. “For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame” (Heb 6:4-6).
Jesus said that, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away…is thrown away…and cast them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:1-6).
Please heed the warning of Scripture: “let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12). Why such a warning to Christians if it can’t happen? Please listen to God, not men and their wishful thinking (Isa 55:8-9).
