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(8) Perseverance...staying the course until the end...

"The perseverance of the saints means that all those who are truly born again will be kept by God's power and will persevere as Christians until the end of their lives, and that only those who persevere until the end have been truly born again."

Contrary to the teachings of some, those who are truly born of the Spirit of God, will not lose their salvation, though sin in their lives, if acted upon, may lose for them the sense of intimacy they enjoy with the Father.

Jesus says, that in so far as it depends upon Him, none that the Father have given Him will be lost, and again says that He gives them eternal life and they shall never perish (John 6:38-40 & 10:27-29), as Jesus is God the Son incarnate, then we can trust His word.

Perseverance is a form of assurance that believers cannot fall away, though they may temporarily distance themselves from God, due to their lack of growth in sanctification, ultimately, God's faithfulness will endure above, and beyond, our unfaithfulness. At times we may experience the discipline of a good Father, as we persevere, and no such discipline appears pleasant at the time, but leads to ongoing growth, and perseverance.
  • Perseverance is a gift of God, because it is dependent upon the power of God working within us, enabling us to press on towards the goal of our salvation.
  • Like sanctification, perseverance is a collaborative process, whereby as we seek to press on in our faith towards the end, the power of God within provides the enabling.
  • Furthermore, we were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it
  • We are protected by the power of God through faith
  • No one who abides in Him sins, no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him
  • No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him
  • If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness...