Do Christians persevere? What relationship does
this have to counseling?
To persevere means; “to persist in
anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or
discouragement; continue steadfastly.”1 Yes, all true Christians persevere. “We are able to persevere only because God
works within us, within our free wills. And because God is at work in us, we
are certain to persevere. The decrees of God concerning election are immutable.
They do not change, because He does not change. All whom He justifies He glorifies.
None of the elect has ever been lost.”2
The concept of “perseverance of the saints” also known as “eternal
security” is an extremely important foundation of the Christian faith. “Eternal security is the work of God which
guarantees that the gift of salvation, once received, is forever and cannot be
lost. The concept of eternal security
emphasizes God’s activity in guaranteeing the eternal possession of the gift of
eternal life.”3
Throughout Scripture the definitive
position of a believer is clear (underlining added for emphasis). “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My
word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not
come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24)
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height,
nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the
love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38, 39) “…and I
give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one
will snatch them out of My hand. My
Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to
snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:28, 29)
We would all agree that salvation
is a free gift (Romans 6:23). It cannot
be earned by works (Ephesians 2:8, 9) and since we are saved 100% by grace, we
are also kept by that grace. God cannot
renege this gift, and refuse His own character.
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself”
(2 Timothy 2:13)
Many references in Scripture
challenge believers to continue on in their faith. “Pay close attention to yourself and to your
teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure
salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16) “…we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that
tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character;
and proven character, hope” Romans 5:3,4 “Blessed is a man who perseveres
under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of
life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)
This
doctrine of perseverance of believers has a huge effect in Biblical
counseling. It is so important that
every believer understands that if they are a true believer that standing
before God will never come into question.
It is final. It is forever. They ought to demonstrate their gratitude to
God for this salvation by a life dedicated to Him, persevering in their faith,
no matter what comes. Throughout
Scripture believers are commanded to continue in the faith, not to give up a
lifestyle of obedience. It is evidence
that our faith is genuine. Yes,
believers will falter, and struggle, face doubts, and even disobey at
times. But, a genuine believer
possessing the Holy Spirit can be assured that God “… will also confirm you to
the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful,
through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our
Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:8,9)
1 www.dictionary.com 2 “Chosen by God”, R.C Sproul, page
177
3
“Basic Theology”, Charles Ryrie, page 328
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