What Baptists Believe About the Perseverance of the Saints

Prayer: Thanking God that we are kept by the power of God.
 

XI. OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS

We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; (1) that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; (2) that a special providence watches over their welfare (3) and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.(4)





Places in the Bible where taught.

(1) John 8: 31. Then said Jesus - If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. 1 John 2:27, 28; 3:9; 5:18.

(2) 1 John 2:19. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out that it might be made manifest that they were not all of us. John 13:18; Matt. 13:20, 21;
John 6: 66-69; Job 17:9.

(3) Rom. 8:28. And we know that all things work together for good unto them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Matt. 6:30-33;
Jer. 32:40; Ps. 121:3; 91:11, 12.

(4) Phil. 1:6. He who hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. 2:12, 13; Jude 24, 25; Heb. 1:14; 2 Kings 6:16; Heb. 13:5;
1 John 4:4.





Discussion by Leader:

1. Need of understanding the subject. Lost fail to see the saving and keeping power.

2. We as Christians should so understand as to be enabled to show the lost that when they trust the Lord for salvation He so changes them that they continue to serve Him.





Parts for Assignment:

1. Only true believers are to endure until the end. Not just church members or religious people, but born-again believers.

2. That the grand mark that distinguishes them from false professors is their perseverance. Those who fall away were never truly saved.

3. That a special providence watches over the saved, to guide, to protect and preserve.

4. That they are kept by the power of God. They do not keep themselves saved, but they are kept. Their faith cannot fail because it is God's method of keeping them. It is not of works, it is through faith.





Discussion Questions:

1. Is there a difference between perseverance and eternal security? Two sides to the same question.

a. A saved person perseveres - man's side.
b. A saved person is secured - God's side.

2. Is there a difference between perseverance and preservation? Same as above. Eternal security, final preservation, and the perseverance of the believer, all the same doctrine differently expressed.

3. Can a man, simply because he believes in eternal security, sin as much as he please? His nature has been changed. A believer may yield unto temptation, but wants to live for God. Rom. 6:1-2; 8:15-25.

4. If a man believes in apostasy or falling from grace, do you think he is a saved man? If so, why? If not, why not? Rom. 11:6

5. What does everlasting, eternal life mean? Do you have it? Can it ever end? If it could end, would it be eternal or everlasting?


 

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