6. The perseverance of the saints

Question 1

Perseverance of the Saints

Answer 1

Can true Christians lose their salvation?

How can we know if we are truly born again?

Question 2

Perseverance of the Saints: Main Headings

Answer 2

I. Definition
II. All who are truly born again will persevere to the end. (Phil 1.6)
III. Those who finally fall away may give signs of conversion.
IV. What can give a believer assurance?

Question 3

I. Definition

Answer 3

1. all those who are truly born again will be kept by God’s power
2. and will persevere as Christians until the end of their lives,
3. and that only those who persevere until the end have been truly born again

Question 4

II. All who are truly born again will persevere to the end. (Phil 1.6)

Answer 4

A. Everyone who believes in Jesus will have eternal life (John 6:38-40)
B. God’s predestination is worked out in this life (Rom. 8:1, 30)
C. God places the “seal” of the Holy Spirit on those who believe (Eph. 1:13-14)
D. God protects and works to bring about eternal life (Phil. 1:6; 1 Pet. 1:3-5)

Question 5

III. Those who finally fall away may give signs of conversion.

Answer 5

A. Judas (John 6:64, 70; Matt. 26:22)

B. Matt. 7:21-23, “I never knew you”

Question 6

IV. What can give a believer assurance?

Answer 6

A. Do I have a present trust in Christ for salvation? (John 3:16)
B. Is there evidence of a regenerating work of the Holy Spirit in my heart?
C. Do I see a long-term pattern of growth in my Christian life? (2 Peter 1:5-7, 10)

Question 7

B. Is there evidence of a regenerating work of the Holy Spirit in my heart?

Answer 7

i. subjective testimony of the Holy Spirit? (Rom. 8:15-16)
ii. Fruit of the Spirit? (Gal. 5:22-23)
iii. believing teaching of the church? (1 John 2:23-24)
iv. present relationship with Jesus Christ? (John 15:4,7)
v. obedience to God’s commands? (1 John 2:4)