262 – The Absolute Preservation of the Elect #2

SEMESTER 4

262 – The Absolute Preservation of the Elect #2

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY IV LESSON # 62
THE DOCTRINE OF PRESERVATION AND PER­SEVERANCE
(THE ABSOLUTE PRESERVATION OF THE ELECT # 2)

INTRODUCTION:

1. In the previous lesson I showed how other Bible truths demand this one.
2. I cited God’s eternal purpose, Christ’s commitment to that purpose and Christ’s intercession for us.
3. In this lesson let us see four other Bible truths that demand absolute preservation.

I. THE BIBLICAL DOCTRINE OF REDEMPTION DEMANDS PRESERVATION

1. Biblically, the term redemption is so definite it demands absolute security of those redeemed. (Luke 1:68, Gal. 3:18, I Pet. 1:18, Rev. 5:9, Rev. 14:3-4)
2. When you modify the meaning of the term redemption to be indefinite, uncertain, or potential, it becomes a term totally foreign to Scripture.

i. There is no record of anyone both condemned and re­deemed.
ii. There is no record of anyone becoming “unredeemed.”
iii. The idea of a redeemed man perishing is blasphemous.

II. THE DOCTRINE OF IMPUTATION DEMANDS PRESER­VATION

1. The biblical doctrine of imputation is foundational.

i. Adam’s sin was imputed to all mankind. (Rom. 5:12 and 19)
ii. The sins of His sheep are imputed to Christ. (Isa. 53:6,11, Jn. 10:11,15
iii. Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us. (Rom. 4:4-8)

2. The whole teaching of imputation is that all our sins are laid on Christ and thus cannot be charged to us. (Rom. 8:31-34)
3. If we think of imputation as being of less than all our sins, the entire transaction becomes void.

III. DIRECT WORDS OF CHRIST DEMAND PRESERVA­TION

1. They have life and shall not perish. (Jn. 3:16, Jn. 5:24)
2. He gives life and they shall never perish. (Jn. 10:27-29)
3. He came to fully, and ultimately, sanctify. (Heb. 10:5-10)
4. He must raise us up at the resurrection of life. (Jn. 6:37-39)
5. He will never leave nor forsake His own. (Heb. 13:5-6)
6. Not one of these statements suggests uncertainty.

IV. THE BIBLICAL DOCTRINE OF SALVATION BY GRACE DEMANDS PRESERVATION

1. The possibility of falling and being lost always supposes failure on man’s part, not God’s.
2. This supposition is based on a philosophy of a combination salvation (God and you).
3. Scripture clearly, and persistently, teaches salvation is all of the Lord.
4. Once this salvation and its nature reach the heart, preserva­tion is believed.
5. In essence, all claim of falling from grace flows out of a rejection of God’s salvation and insistence on one that is finally deter­mined by man.