259 – Preservation and Perseverance Introduced

SEMESTER 4

259 – Preservation and Perseverance Introduced

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY IV LESSON # 59
THE DOCTRINE OF PRESERVATION
AND PERSEVERANCE INTRODUCED

INTRODUCTION:

This subject is the fifth and final section of the proper and system­atized study of soteriology. We started with the sinner’s need and the occasion of that need. This section of study shall take us all the way to the redeemed sinner’s ultimate and final glorification. The systematization of this study is intended to point to every basic aspect and sense of the salvation of God’s elect.

I. GENERAL REVIEW AND PAST STUDY

1. The first section of study was upon man’s state as a fallen creature. (Eph. 2:1-4) (total depravity)
2. The second section focused upon God’s eternal purpose to call out of this fallen lot a people for Himself. (Eph. 1:1-9)
3. The third section addressed His means of reconciling those whom He purposed to save. (Eph. 1:7)
4. The fourth section pointed to all the work He did in us, in giving repentance and faith unto life. (Eph. 1:8-9).
5. This section is designed to address His work in keeping those whom He has chosen, redeemed and called, even to His everlast­ing glory.

II. NECESSITY OF SEEING BOTH CAUSE AND EF­FECT

This section of soteriological doctrine has always been frustrated by either totally one-sided, or partially imbalanced, teaching.

1. The Arminian teaching is almost totally perseverance.

i. Since they believe in co-operative salvation they see persever­ance as “man’s part.”
ii. Thus, they logically conclude that if he fails or neglects this duty, he is, or may be lost.
iii. They cite, to prove their position, the Scriptures which affirm the responsibility to persevere. (Job. 17:9, Jer. 32:40, Hos. 12:6, Mat. 24:13, Jn. 8:31, Jn. 10:27, Jn. 15:4-9, Acts 11:23, Acts 13:43, Acts 14:21-22, Rom. 2:6, I Cor. 15:1-3, I Cor. 15:58, II Cor. 5:9, Gal. 6:9, Col. 1:22-23, I Thes. 5:21, II Tim. 2:12, Heb. 2:1, Heb. 3:5,6,14, Heb. 6:1, many others)

2. Another faction often neglects the perseverance and focuses only on preservation.

i. Since they believe in absolute security of believers they fail to see responsibility to persevere.
ii. They conclude that if salvation is all of God, no conditions are necessary.
iii. They cite Scriptures that emphasize absolute security, such as: Psa. 37:23,24,28, Psa. 73:24, Psa. 138:8, Jn. 6:37-39, Jn. 10:28-29, Rom. 8:28-38, Rom. 11:29, I Cor. 1:8-9, Phil. 1:6, II Tim. 1:12, Heb. 12:6-11, I Pet. 1:4-7.

3. Proper Bible teaching recognizes, organizes and presents both sides of this truth.
4. They see divine preservation as the cause and means of Christian perseverance.
5. They see that divine cause absolutely assures its intended effect.
6. We shall seek in this section of soteriological study to learn both doctrines, and bring them into biblical harmony.