Perseverance of the Saints

In John Calvin's five points (T.U.L.I.P), the P stands for Perseverance of the saints. The doctrine teaches is essence that God will persevere those whom He has chosen. In other words, if God has opened your eyes to see the glory of the gospel (you are a Christian), then He will ensure that you persevere in the faith until you reach the finish line.

The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints can be twisted to a view that John Calvin didn't hold. This twisted view says, "once saved, always saved." In other words, if I have done something at some point to supposedly become a Christian (prayed a prayer, signed a card, been baptized, are a member of a Church), then I am saved no matter what happens throughout the rest of my life. Once I am saved (maybe a date in my Bible indicates this), I will always be saved.

I very much hold to the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints taught by John Calvin. Because a true understanding of this doctrine sees my obedience to Christ as a means of grace that keeps me persevering to the finish line. I will not persevere in my faith by being passive.

Colossians 1:21-23a says And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, IF indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard...(emphasis mine)


I can believe that God will keep me persevering to the finish line, and I can believe that my crossing the finish line is conditional (IF), upon my steadfast continuance in the faith.