Perseverance: The Doctrine Outlined Part 4

Today we will continue to think about the definition, and support for, the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints.  Last time, we looked at the doctrine from the human perspective- the calling we have to persevere in the faith and the reality that all true believers will endure in the faith until the end.  Today, I would like to illustrate how although some might claim to be Christian, they may prove that they were never truly a part of God's kingdom by failing to persevere.  


The reality is that there are some who claim to be Christians, and have even had some sort of association with the gospel message, but who are not truly saved.  Jesus discussed this several times in his parables.  One such example is found in the parable of the sower, in Luke 8:4-15, where Jesus describes seed (ie. the gospel) being tossed onto various types of soil (ie. hearts).  The seed only remains and blossoms in the good soil.  In describing this, Jesus says, "As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience."  The word patience can also be translated perseverance.  So, those who are truly saved, in contrast to those who hear the word and maybe even have some superficial change, will truly hold fast, bear fruit, and persevere.

This can be illustrated in the life of Judas Iscariot.  He was with the other disciples and even seemed to truly believe in Jesus.  Even on the night before Jesus' death, when Jesus told his disciples one of them would betray Him, the disciples did not presume to know whom it was.  Outwardly, Judas seemed to be with Jesus.  However, he proved that he did not truly belong when he betrayed Christ (Matt. 26:24).  Individuals like Judas do not lose their salvation.  They merely prove that they do not truly posses saving faith by the fact that they fail to endure.