Perseverance of the saints
Their certain continuance in a state of grace. Once justified and regenerated, the believer can neither totally nor finally fall away from grace, but will certainly persevere therein and attain everlasting life. This doctrine is clearly taught in these passages, John 10:28, 29; Rom. 11:29; Phil. 1:6; 1 Pet. 1:5. It, moreover, follows from a consideration of (1) the immutability of the divine decrees (Jer. 31:3; Matt. 24:22-24; Acts 13:48; Rom. 8:30); (2) the provisions of the covenant of grace (Jer. 32:40; John 10:29; 17:2-6); (3) the atonement and intercession of Christ (Isa. 53:6, 11; Matt. 20:28; 1 Pet. 2:24; John 11:42; 17:11, 15, 20; Rom. 8:34); and (4) the indwelling of the Holy Ghost (John 14:16; 2 Cor. 1:21, 22; 5:5; Eph. 1:14; 1 John 3:9). This doctrine is not inconsistent with the truth that the believer may nevertheless fall into grievous sin, and continue therein for some time. (See [469]BACKSLIDE.)
Passages cited in this entry
John 10:28 · Romans 11:29 · Philippians 1:6 · 1 Peter 1:5 · Jeremiah 31:3 · Matthew 24:22 · Acts 13:48 · Romans 8:30 · Jeremiah 32:40 · John 10:29 · Isaiah 53:6 · Matthew 20:28 · 1 Peter 2:24 · John 11:42 · Romans 8:34 · John 14:16 · 2 Corinthians 1:21 · Ephesians 1:14 · 1 John 3:9
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 3rd edition (1897). Public domain; text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library. A nineteenth-century Protestant reference: its dates, archaeology and judgements reflect the scholarship of its time and are not Imago Dei's editorial position.