Philippians 3:8-16This passage is one of many passages where theologians derive the doctrine of "Perseverance of the Saints." Some people equate this doctrine with the incorrect teaching of "Once Saved Always Saved." However, perseverance is far more than this simplistic slogan. As we read passages like the one above in Philippians, we see that Paul claims "that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead." Paul, at the very least , seems to be trying to attain his salvation. On the other hand in Romans 8, Paul expresses his unabashed confidence that our eternal life is secure in God's hands.
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Romans 8:38-39When theologians define "Perseverance," they try to express this dynamic. Wayne's Grudem's two-part definition reflects this tension between the believer's confidence that his salvation is secured by God's love on the one hand and on the other hand, the need for the Christian has to press onward to attain the resurrection of the dead.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Wayne GrudemGrudem explains his two-part definition in the next paragraph.
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. (p.788, Systematic Theology)
This definition has two parts to it. It indicates first that there is assurance to be given to those who are truly born again, for it reminds them that God's power will keep them as Christians until they die, and they will surely live with Christ in heaven forever. On the other hand, the second half of the definition makes it clear that continuing in the Christian life is one of the evidences that a person is truly born again. (p. 788, ibid)As the author of Hebrews points out in chapter 12, our faith is founded by and perfected by Jesus. We can run the race of faith with endurance and be confident that we will finish. Christ is our great example and since he endured the cross, we know, with his help, we can finish our race.
Hebrews 12:1-2Berkhoff in refuting those who object to the doctrine of perseverance, clarifies the doctrine for me.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Louis BerkhoffGranted, the doctrine of perseverance sounds bland. It does not sound like a joy-filled life, but notice the author of Hebrews writes about joy in our pursuit of Christ. Futhermore, Paul finds that deepening his relationship with Christ is worth all the suffering and hardship. Jesus promises in John 15 that if we abide in Him and obey his commands that our joy will be full in Him. One of the reasons the Christian will persevere is God will reward our pursuit of Him with Himself. We will get to know the Lord and Creator of the universe personally. This reward is a treasure beyond our imagination: we get to abide with Christ now and in eternity.
It is confidently asserted that the doctrine of perseverance leads to indolence, license, and even immorality. A false security is said to result from it. This is a mistaken notion, however, for, although the Bible tells us that we are kept by the grace of God, it does not encourage the idea that God keeps us without constant watchfulness, diligence, and prayer on our part. It is hard to see how a doctrine which assures the believer of a perseverance in holiness can be an incentive for sin. It would seem that the certainty of success in the active striving for sanctification would be the best possible stimulus to ever greater exertion.”(p.526, Systematic Theology)
The book of Hebrews commented about Abraham's pursuit of heaven. He lived in tents during his time on earth, but he was promised by God to be the father of nations. Ultimately, he looked toward inhabiting the eternal city. We can persevere joyfully when we realize this world is not our home. As Lewis points out, we often stumble in our Christian walk because we don't understand the reward being offered us.
C. S. LewisI am going to conclude this post by quoting a sermon from Jonathan Edwards. He was preaching on 1st Corinthians 13 and was encouraging his congregation to focus on heaven when they were having difficulties here on earth.
Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased. (p. 2. The Weight of Glory)
Jonathan Edwards
Be content to pass through all difficulties in the way to heaven. Though the path is before you, and you may walk in it if you desire, yet it is a way that is ascending, and filled with many difficulties and obstacles. That glorious city of light and love is, as it were, on the top of a high hill or mountain, and there is not way to it but by upward and arduous steps. But though the ascent be difficult, and the way full of trials, still it is worth while to meet them all for the sake of coming and dwelling in such a glorious city at last. Be willing, then, to undergo the labor, and meet the toil, and overcome the difficulty. What is it all in comparison with sweet rest that is at your journey's end? Be willing to cross the natural inclination of flesh and blood, which is downward, and press onward and upward to the prize. And every step it will be easier and easier to ascend; and the higher your ascent, the more will you be cheered by the glorious prospect before you, and by a nearer view of that heavenly city where in a little while you shall forever be at rest. (Point 3, Charity and its Fruits)
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