Perseverance of the Saints

In this part of the sermon: Martin introduces the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints by asking if assurance of salvation is possible, contrasting the Reformed view with the Arminian position that…

A man surveyed people at a train station, asking if they were sure of going to heaven; all responded 'no,' illustrating the common lack of assurance that the doctrine of perseverance addresses.

Some years ago, a man in a large city took a survey at a train station in which he asked about 25 or 30 people if they knew for sure they were going to heaven. The result, though not surprising, was interesting. It was a unanimous no. Not a one of them was sure. In fact, several of them became quite indignant and said,

0:02 - 0:23 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin introduces the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints by asking if assurance of salvation is possible, contrasting the Reformed view with the Arminian position that…

A highly respected man refused to have his biography written, saying he'd seen too many men 'fall out in the last lap of the race,' illustrating the Arminian fear of losing salvation at the end of life.

He may be saved, then lost, then saved again, then lost again, so that whatever condition he happens to be in at the time of his death, that will determine whether or not he will go to heaven. There was once a famous man who, during his lifetime, was so highly respected that someone said, someone wanted to write his biography. But the man absolutely refused. He said, I've seen too many men who fell out in the last lap of the race.

1:52 - 2:18 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin provides extensive scriptural evidence for the perseverance of the saints, primarily from John 6:39, John 10:27-29, and Romans 8:28-39, emphasizing Jesus' promises and…

Jesus' prayer for Peter when Satan wanted to sift him like wheat is used to illustrate Christ's intercession and how it secures believers from ultimate harm, even in stumbling.

He is at the right hand of God, the place of honor and authority. There he is interceding for us. If we have Jesus in control and praying for us, everything and everyone, including the devil himself, stands helplessly by. Once Satan wanted to sift Peter like wheat.

11:27 - 11:46 Read in full sermon

The point: We must be careful, therefore, never to assume that just because a person has gone astray that he cannot turn back to the Lord.

Martin recounts a man who was a 'pillar in the church' for years but later divorced, lived with an unmarried woman, and abandoned church, serving as a practical example of someone who appears to fall from grace, which is then addressed by the sermon.

A Christian can turn from God and become an unbeliever. Haven't we all encountered people who were pillars in the church but who turned from the Lord? I recall a man who for many years was very involved in the life of the church. He was active in its societies, served on various committees, was constantly being elected to the church council.

20:43 - 21:05 Read in full sermon