The Bible says that only those who persevere in the faith until the end are truly saved. Doesn’t this cause crippling anxiety and constant doubt? No, because we know the same God who began his good work in us will finish it! We have the promise that no one can snatch us out of his hand and nothing can separate us from his love. We will persevere because he is preserving us!
Related Sermon: Amazing Grace, part 5
Discussion Questions:
- If you only knew the first four doctrines of grace, would you conclude naturally that Christians will persevere in the faith? What does Philippians 1:6 have to say about that question?
- How are the concepts of preservation and perseverance related? Does one word carry the full weight of the Bible’s teaching, or are both necessary for the full picture?
- Read Romans 11:29. How is God the Father involved in preserving the saints?
- Read Hebrews 7:24-25. How is God the Son involved in preserving the saints?
- Read Ephesians 1:13-14. How is the God the Spirit involved in preserving the saints?
- What do you think it means to “confirm your calling and election” (2 Peter 1:10)? How do divine sovereignty and human responsibility play into your answer?
- Do people who have genuine faith fall away from following God? Read 1 John 2:19. How do we know if someone has true faith? How do Peter’s and Judas’ stories illustrate this text?
- Pray, thanking God that he will finish what he began in you. He is able to keep anyone or anything from snatching you out of his hand. He is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you faultless before his glorious presence with great joy.