BIBLES * Bulldogs * & Beards

PART ONE of 4 - Perseverance - Chapter 16 - The Christian Life by Sinclair B. Ferguson with Pastor William Shifflett.

“They whom God hath accepted in His beloved Son, effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from a state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end and be eternally saved.” - The 1647 Westminster Confession of Faith

Is there a difference between “once saved, always saved” and the perseverance of the saints?

Dr. Robert Godfrey - “It is legitimate to ask, Are those two ways of speaking equally useful? I think the question comes out of a fear that if you say, “Once saved, always saved,” it will sound like a carte blanche to go live any way you like.”  Do you agree?

We in the last chapter we talked about the conflict that comes from with-in and from with-out. Pastor, is it true that even strong Christians fail in their faith and doubt their salvation?

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 - So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 - For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

How do these verses help Christians understand perseverance?

The Christian’s Assurances of perseverance.

John 10:27-30 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”  Break these verses down.

“Nothing could be plainer than the language which Jesus used in John 10.”

Philippians 1:6, 21 - And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. -- 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

That is a lot of confidence!