Tiptoe through TULIP - P

Perseverance of the Saints
What It Does Not Mean

Let's first eliminate the misconceptions. This doctrine first of all does not teach perfectionism. It doesn't teach that "God's people don't sin." On the other hand, it also doesn't teach legalism, that "God's people earn their salvation by persevering to the end." Now, there is a fine distinction here, so follow it closely, but understand that Perseverance of the Saints holds to neither of those extremes.

What It Does Mean

Scripture is abundantly clear that our faith must endure to the end if we are to be saved (1 Cor.15:1-2; Col. 1:21-23; 2 Tim. 2:11-12; Mark 13:13; Rev. 2:7,10,11,17,25,26; 3:5,11,12,21). There's far too much behind that to ignore. It is abundantly clear from Scripture that obedience that evidences an inner renewal is necessary for final salvation. (Heb. 12:14; Rom. 8:13; Gal. 5:19-21; 1 John 2:3-6; Eph. 5:5 and 1 Cor. 6:10). (See also John 8:31; Luke 10:28; Matt. 6:14,15; 18:35; Gen. 18:19; 22:16-17; 26:4-5; 2 Tim. 2:19.) Some would teach that neither perseverance nor obedience are necessary for salvation. This doctrine disagrees.

However, at this point it parts ways with the "lose your salvation" side who say that "God's people must persevere to the end." This is an important shift. Instead, the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints holds that God maintains His elect. Our confidence is not in our ability to maintain, but in God's preservation. (John 10:27-29; John 17:11; Rom. 8:28-30; 14:4; 1 Cor. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:5, 11, 13‑14; Phil. 1:6; 2 Tim. 2:12-13; 1 Thess. 5:23-24) This is not sinlessness (Phil. 3:12-13; 1 John 1:8-10; Matt. 6:12). It is "newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). Certainly believers may fall into gross sin, and they bear the fleshly consequences. But the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints holds that they cannot finally fall. Prime examples are found in 1 Cor. 5:1-5, where Paul gave the man's flesh over to Satan for the saving of his soul, and in comparing Peter and Judas. Peter fell, but not finally, while Judas fell completely. One was a "saint" and one was a pretender. According to John, those who finally fall were "not of us". (1 John 2:19).

Objections Answered

Of course there are many who object to this doctrine, starting first with the Catholic Church which feared that it would bring unmitigated sin. However, the properly understood doctrine of Perseverance precludes license to sin. But a couple of the other objections are a little stickier to handle.

Objection #1: "What about the guys who suffered shipwrecked faith?" (1 Tim. 1:18-20)

The term "shipwreck" does not require damnation. It means "run aground" and doesn't necessarily require lost salvation. The other clue to why this wouldn't be damnation is found in the text, in which Paul says that he delivered them to Satan. Why would he deliver them to Satan if they had lost their salvation and were already in Satan's power? Rather, this phrase indicates (as it did in 1 Cor. 5) correction for salvation, not damnation.

Objection #2: "What about those who have fallen away in Heb. 6:4-6?"

I'd like to say that the passage doesn't refer to the saved. Terms like "tasted" give one pause. But I'm going to assume it refers to the truly saved. First and foremost, if this passage refers to losing salvation, then it is abundantly clear that it cannot be recovered. There is no ambiguity. But beyond that, the author says in verses 9-11 that the reason for writing this is that they would be diligent and assured. Two prime examples of those who fell would be David and Peter. Both returned, obviously not being incapable of returning. The point of the passage is to be a warning, not to express a certainty.

Objection #3: "Doesn't Gal. 5:2-4 talk about people who fall from grace?"

First, this phrase does not require lost salvation. It literally means to be driven off course or to become ineffective. In context, grace becomes of little value to a person who is working to obtain and maintain his own salvation. This is the intent of "fallen from grace". You've departed from that which saves you and you're trying to do it on your own. However, it is also possible to believe that you're saved and not be (Matt. 7:22-23; 13:3-8, 18-23.). This is a very real possibility that each of us must examine for ourselves.

I hope this little exercise has been of benefit to some, if perhaps only to answer some questions and clarify some positions.