Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, assurance of salvation and the preservation of the saints are deeply intertwined concepts that provide believers with confidence in their eternal security. The doctrine of the preservation of the saints asserts that those who are truly regenerated and justified by faith in Jesus Christ will be kept by God's power and will persevere in faith until the end.Biblical Foundation The assurance of preservation is rooted in the promises of God as revealed in Scripture. One of the key passages is found in the Gospel of John, where Jesus declares, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:27-28). This passage emphasizes the security of believers, highlighting that their eternal life is a gift from Christ, safeguarded by His omnipotent hand. Similarly, the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, affirms the unbreakable bond between the believer and the love of God: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). This assurance is not based on human effort but on the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the assurance and preservation of the saints. Ephesians 1:13-14 states, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory." The sealing of the Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee of the believer's inheritance, providing assurance that God will complete the work He has begun. Perseverance and Human Responsibility While the doctrine of preservation emphasizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness, it also acknowledges the believer's responsibility to persevere in faith. Philippians 2:12-13 exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure." This passage highlights the cooperative dynamic between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where believers are called to actively pursue holiness while relying on God's enabling grace. Encouragement in Trials The assurance of preservation provides comfort and encouragement to believers facing trials and tribulations. In 1 Peter 1:5 , Peter writes to the scattered and persecuted church, reminding them that they "are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." This assurance sustains believers, knowing that their faith is shielded by God's power, even amidst suffering. Conclusion The assurance of preservation is a profound privilege for the saints, rooted in the unchanging promises of God, the sealing of the Holy Spirit, and the sustaining power of divine grace. It offers believers a secure hope, encouraging them to persevere in faith and holiness, confident in the eternal security granted by their Savior. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 3:6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 8:1 Psalm 27:3-5 Psalm 46:1-3 Library Sovereignty of God in Administration The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate; The Master's Profession --The Disciple's Pursuit John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace The Pharisee and the Publican A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican The Pilgrim's Progress Resources How can I have assurance of my salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is free grace? What is Free Grace Theology? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about hope? | GotQuestions.org Assurance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Assurance is Abundant in the Understanding of the Gospel Assurance is the Effect of Righteousness Assurance: Confident Hope in God Restores Assurance: Give Diligence to Attain To Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have by David Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have by Paul Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have of Their Election Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of a Crown Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of a Glorious Resurrection Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of a Kingdom Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Answers to Prayer Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Comfort in Affliction Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Continuance in Grace Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Eternal Life Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Peace With God by Christ Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Preservation Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Support in Death Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of The Unalienable Love of God Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Their Adoption Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Their Election Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Their Redemption Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Their Salvation Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Union With God and Christ Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: A Crown Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: A Glorious Resurrection Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: A Kingdom Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: A Support in Death Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Answers to Prayer Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Comfort in Affliction Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Confident Hope in God Restores Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Continuance in Grace Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Eternal Life Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Peace With God by Christ Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Preservation Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Saints Give Diligence to Attain Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Strive to Maintain Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: The Unalienable Love of God Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Their Adoption Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Their Redemption Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Their Salvation Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Union With God and Christ Related Terms Acknowledgement (3 Occurrences) |