berserko.org

2009-12-09 – David Watson – Calvinism Part 21: Perseverance of the Saints

// December 28th, 2009 // Bible Study, Mark's stuff

Calvinism Part 21:? Perseverance of the Saints

By David Watson

Benchley, December 9, 2009

• Colossians 1:21-23
• Hebrews 3-4
• Hebrews 6:4-6
• James 5:19-20
• II Peter 1:10-11
• What answer is given to these passages?
  • Calvinists argue that God requires us to “persevere to the end” and say that “Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is never alone.”? Their line of reasoning is that God preserves those who truly believe, but God also requires us to persevere in faith to the end, which appears to be circular reasoning.
• Proof-texts used by Calvinists:
  • Galatians 6:9
    • “(A mere intellectual assent is insufficient; perseverance in our works must prove that our faith is genuine.)? James 2:14“
    • “II Peter 2:17-22?(To not persevere and to turn back to the corruption of the world is to destroy our souls.)”
  • Romans 8:28-39?and John 10:27-29
    • “God will never allow them to stray permanently away from the love of Christ.? (Romans 8:28-39).”
    • This passage is talking about external forces, not sin.