SEMESTER 5
368 – The Articles of Faith Concerning Perseverance of the Saints
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: ECCLESIOLOGY V LESSON # 68
CHURCH COVENANT AND ARTICLES OF FAITH – CONCERNING PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS
Read: John 8:25-32
INTRODUCTION:
1. A dear friend denied this doctrine, in print, years ago, consenting only to preservation.
2. He was reacting,, yet I do not excuse his denial of this truth.
3. His denial was not of preservation, or eternal security, only perseverance.
4. Perseverance is a Bible doctrine, and thus, a Baptist doctrine.
I. THERE ARE SUPERFICIAL PROFESSORS
1. Many think themselves genuine Christians. (Mat. 7:21-23)
2. Some of them are faithful to false hopes and doctrines.
III:By their claims of wonderful works, etc.
3. Often they profess faith under pressure, then turn away. (Mat 13:20-21)
4. Sadly, their pre-occupation is short of being with Christ, it is with self.
II. PERSEVERANCE IS THE GRAND DISTINGUISHING MARK
1. True attachment to an immutable object always secures. (Psa. 121:3)
2. Perseverance is never the cause of preservation, but the effect.
3. Scripture clearly teaches it is the great evidence. (Joh. 8:3 and
I Joh. 2:19)
III: By the disciples’ question,” Lord to whom shall we go?”
4. “Quit believing?” Not unless the giver of faith fails.
III. PERSEVERANCE IS ALWAYS CERTAIN, BUT NEVER PERFECT
1. It is perseverance in holiness, but to what degree can we do so?
III:Does it mean if a man dies drunk, profane, or in adultery, he was never saved?
2. No! It means he cannot, from his heart, deny the Lord.
3. He cannot truly approve of his sin, and hate righteousness.
4. Never try to make a judgment call by your standards, we do not know.
IV. PERSEVERANCE IS THE EFFECT OF DIVINE PRESERVATION
1. We are kept by the power of God. (I Pet. 1:5)
2. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. (Rom. 8:39)
3. God will perform His eternal purpose. (Phil. 1:6)
4. He will not allow our foot to slide. (Psa. 121:3)
5. But will He allow true believers to fornicate and murder? He did!
III:By David, Lot, Solomon, Samson, etc.
6. By this doctrine, we are taught that His grace, and only His grace, is sufficient.