261 – The Absolute Preservation of the Elect #1

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY IV LESSON # 61

THE DOCTRINE OF PRESERVATION AND PERSEVERANCE
(THE ABSOLUTE PRESERVATION OF THE ELECT # 1)

INTRODUCTION:

It is my purpose to present this work in such a manner that no one can study either the doctrine of preservation or perseverance without concluding that each is an inseparable part of the other. In this lesson I want to show that God’s elect, His saints, them that believe, or whatever Bible term they may be identified by are absolutely, unquestionably and eternally preserved.

I. ETERNAL PURPOSE DEMANDS IT

1. Paul says all our spiritual blessings are, in divine decree, past tense. (Eph. 1:3

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2. This is because He has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world. (Eph. 1:4

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3. God has set in order (predestinated) all that shall effect this. (Eph. 1:5

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4. He has done it sovereignly, thus unconditionally. (Eph. 1:5

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5. He has made us accepted in the beloved and redeemed us on this basis. (Eph. 1:6-7

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6. Biblical logic thus demands the realization of this intent. (Rom. 8:31-34

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II. COMMITMENT OF CHRIST TO GOD’S WILL DEMANDS IT

1. The Father gave Him power over all flesh for this very purpose. (Jn. 17:1-3

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2. It is this will of God, which Christ came to do. (Heb. 10:7-14

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3. It is this will to which He binds Himself. (Jn. 6:37-39

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III. THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST DEMANDS IT

1. He specifically prays for our preservation. (Jn. 17:10-15

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2. His blood is not efficacious unless His intercession is efficacious.

3. This twofold work is cited as perfect assurance. (Rom. 8:31-34

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4. This truth is the whole purpose of Paul’s contrast between the Levitical and Christ’s priesthood. (Heb. 7:19-25

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Berean Baptist Church