Preservation of the saints

Preservation of the saints teaches that those who are saved (the elect), though they may from time to time waver in their faith, cannot ultimately lose their salvation but are kept by God and will persevere to the end.

Election, predestination are irrevocable

Ro 8:28-39; 11:28–29

Elect are predestined to persevere

Jn 15:16

Christ intercedes for the elect

Lk 22:31-32; Jn 17:9, 11, 15, 20; Ro 8:33–34; Heb 7:25; 9:11–12, 24; 1Jn 2:1; Rev 3:5 — and the Father grants every prayer of Jesus: Ps 2:7–8; Jn 11:41–42

Holy Spirit seals and guarantees

2Co 1:21–22; 5:5; Eph 1:11–14; 4:30

God is able to preserve

Ro 14:4; 2Ti 1:12; Heb 2:18; 7:25; 2Pe 2:7–9; Jude 1:24-25

God is faithful, finishes what he starts

1Co 1:7–9; Php 1:6; 1Th 5:23–24; 2Th 3:3-5

God preserves, guards, keeps, rescues

1Sa 2:9; Ps 31:23; 32:7; 34:7; 89:30–33; 94:14; 97:10; 121:7; Pr 2:8; Isa 42:6; 54:4–10; Jer 31:3; Mt 18:12–14; Jn 6:37–40; 10:28–29; 1Pe 1:3–5; Jude 1:1

Scripture encourages perseverance

1Co 10:12; Heb 6:1–12; 10:19–39; 12:1–29; Jas 5:10–11

God grants means of perseverance

Jer 32:38–42; Eze 11:19–20; 1Co 10:13

Elect actually do persevere

Job 17:9; Ps 84:5–7; 125:1; Pr 4:18

Impossible to lead elect astray

Mt 24:22–24

A house built on a rock cannot fall

Mt 7:24–27 (cf. Lk 6:47–49)

Election, salvation (or lack thereof) evidenced by perseverance

Mt 10:22; Mt 24:13 (cf. Mk 13:13; Lk 21:19); Jn 8:31–32; Heb 3:14; 1Jn 2:19-20; 3:9; Rev 2:10

See also

• Doctrines of grace