To Persevere or Not Persevere...

During my time at University, which I can now alarmingly refer to in the past tense, one of the key issues that has constantly been raised within the Christian student community has been that of the doctrine of perseverance of the Saints.

Perhaps it is the lack of spiritual maturity that naturally occurs within young Christians, but whatever the reason, it is certain that many students believe it possible to lose ones salvation. Many talk of their own experience, or that of someone they know, of having being a Christian, lost their faith and then regained it. Whilst it is possible that this yo-yo affect may have only been prominent in my University I seriously doubt it. I am also fully aware that it is not an issue that exclusively effects students, its presence is felt widely within the church.

This post has been inspired by an article on 'Justification and Perseverance' by the Rvd Derek Thomas taken from the Banner of Truth magazine, May '07. Thomas talks about the debate over the doctrine of perseverance and draws clear rules by which it can be seen. Thomas draws a clear distinction between the visible/invisible church and shows that, although apostasy is deeply saddening, it is a reality. Carl Trueman, a co-faculty member with Derek Thomas at Westminster Seminary, has some interesting comments on apostasy here.

It is in the face of true apostasy that we must be clear in our agreement with the Westminster Confession of Faith concerning the visible church as 'all those throughout the world that profess the true religion'. Even though such members may have accepted the union of the sacraments they may sadly apostatize.

Thomas is correct in his statement that "final assurance is assured to those who are true or genuinely regenerated believers" anybody who has been elected through the grace of God will persevere into eternity, some will claim faith but will walk away without truly regenerate hearts.

In 1 John 2:19 we read "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they6 they went out, that it might become plain that they are all not of us". There are those who appear to be Christians but are not, and all those who are truly saved are assured that they will remain so.

In the article Thomas continues by addressing the fruits of perseverance; that a truly regenerate heart is manifested by good works and then points to the importance of the doctrine of justification by faith alone alongside perseverance.

It is clear that once we have become regenerate we cannot loose the salvation that we have received from our sovereign God, and it is saddening that many young Christians preach otherwise to each other. Let us glorify in the knowledge that: 'If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him' 2 Timothy 2:11-12