Perseverance of the saints
Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Their certain continuance in a state of grace. Once justified and regenerated, the believer can neither totally nor finally fall away from grace, but will certainly persevere therein and attain everlasting life. This doctrine is clearly taught in these passages, , 29; ; ; . It, moreover, follows from a consideration of (1) the immutability of the divine decrees (; ; ; ); (2) the provisions of the covenant of grace (; ; 17:2-6); (3) the atonement and intercession of Christ (, 11; ; ; ; 17:11, 15, 20; ); and (4) the indwelling of the Holy Ghost (; , 22; 5:5; ; ). This doctrine is not inconsistent with the truth that the believer may nevertheless fall into grievous sin, and continue therein for some time. (See BACKSLIDE.)
Where it appears
Isaiah 53:6, 11 Jeremiah 31:3 Jeremiah 32:40 Matthew 20:28 Matthew 24:22-24 John 10:28, 29 John 11:42 John 14:16 John 17:2-6, 11, 15, 20 Acts 13:48 Romans 8:30, 34 Romans 11:29 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22 Ephesians 1:14 Philippians 1:6 1 Peter 1:5 1 Peter 2:24 1 John 3:9
Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897) and Smith’s Bible Dictionary (1863) are in the public domain; the entries are arranged with their verse references by the Bible Dictionary Dataset (CC BY 4.0).
