The doctrine of unconditional perseverance is one of the most comforting doctrines in all of scripture, and has immense value for practical living. Life is hard and we still sin and make mistakes. It's good to know that God does not abandon us in our failure, nor does He forsake us in our trials. Rather, quite the opposite is true. He is actually working all things for our good- our sin, our failure, our struggle, our loss, our heartache, our weaknesses, and our obstacles. For God's elect, everything is redeemable. But before we jump right in, I want to address those who might be struggling with the assurance of their salvation.
First, it is true that many false converts can give outward signs of conversion. Judas is a perfect example of this. Paul also speaks of "false brothers" (Gal. 2:4; 2 Cor. 11:26). Jesus himself also says "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'Depart from me, you worker of iniquity, I never knew you.'" (Matt. 7:21-21).
We also saw last week how certain scriptures draw the distinction between true and false converts as well. This being what it is, how can we have genuine assurance that we are born again?
First, we need to ask ourselves, "Am I presently trusting in Christ?" We need to examine ourselves to see if we have trust in Christ today to forgive our sins. Do I have trust in Christ today that He has justified me, sanctified me, and will take me with Him at death or His return? This is important because so many false converts can only talk about how they prayed a prayer at one point countless years ago, but our not presently trusting in Christ and walking with God.
Second, we need to ask ourselves, "Am I presently abiding in Christ and abiding in His word?" We have looked at John 15 where Jesus speaks of how the true branches will remain in Him. I would also like to add John 8:31, where Jesus says, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciple." Evidence of genuine conversion is having a present relationship with Christ and an ongoing hunger for Him and His word. This doesn't mean that we aren't going to sin and stumble at times. What it does mean is that if a person claims to be a Christian but have a desire to read and obey God's word, then genuine conversion is lacking. For the genuine believer, even when they fail and sin, they are grieved and convicted, because they desire to live for God so passionately. Which brings me to my next point.
Third, we need to ask ourselves, "Is there evidence of regeneration in my heart?" This would include conviction over sin, repentance, and present faith. It also includes the witness of the Holy Spirit that we are God's own (Rm. 8:15-16). This also includes the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). If a person's life is consistently characterized by the deeds of the flesh and not the fruit of the Spirit, then there has been no regeneration, no matter their profession. Other evidences of regeneration is living a life of love, as well as holding to sound doctrine. A person who abandons the essentials of the faith does not have the Spirit.
Finally, we need to ask ourselves, "Has there been a pattern of long-term growth?" Yes, sanctification is a never ending process, and yes we stumble and fall, but a genuine believer should be able to look back over their life and see a pattern of growth in the faith. Peter commands us to be constantly adding things in our walk (2 Peter 1:5-7). This, Peter says, is how we confirm our election and calling. Want to know if you truly are saved and of God? How is your growth? A person who has claimed Christ, but never shows progress in the faith or change in their life is not a genuine believer.
These truths should give the genuine believer assurance, yet cause the "backslider" to fear greatly. The warning passages in scripture were written to those backsliders who are thinking about turning away. Turn away, and it proves that that person was never a Christian to begin with. Come back with repentance and endure, it shows that that person is regenerate.
Now, after that weighty and somber paragraph, I want to turn the genuine believers heart to some great practical applications.
1. Unconditional perseverance means nothing can separate me from God's love. Paul is very clear about this in Romans 8:38-39. Did you have a bad day? Nothing can separate you from God's love. Did you mess up as a parent? Nothing can separate you from God's love. Did your husband or wife run out on you? Nothing can separate you from God's love Did you lose your job? Nothing can separate you from God's love. Did you sin greatly? Nothing can separate you from God's love. God intensely loves His elect, and will never withdraw that love. No. Matter. What. There was nothing we did to earn our salvation and there is nothing we can do to loose it. Is this a licence to sin? No, and whoever thinks that way probably isn't genuinely converted. This is an invitation to radically rest and trust in God's sovereign grace, mercy, and love.
2. Unconditional perseverance means that God is for us. Again, in Romans 8:31 says that "If God is for us, who can be against us." We all know how good it feels to have someone in our corner encouraging us when we are going through difficulty, heartache, or sorrow. Well, as a Christian we have the sovereign Lord of the universe who gave His own Son up for us. He is for us! In all of life, God is working for your good and His glory. I love the Rocky movies. My favorite scenes are the one when Mick is up in Rocky's face encouraging him to press on. When we are down and out; when we are struggling, not only is God there telling us to get back up and press on, He is picking us back up and empowering us to press on. There is not one thing in our life that is not redeemable. In fact, everything is being used for God's good purpose in our lives. Your sin? Yes. Your husband or wife leaving you? Yes. Your rebellious kids? Yes. Your terrible work environment? Yes. Your loneliness? Yes. Yes, yes, yes. Whatever your question, the answer is "yes!" God is for you, and He is not going to let sin, failure, pain, heartache, or any difficulty have the last word. He is God. He is sovereign. He wins, and we do too by our association with Him through the Son.
3. Unconditional perseverance means that we will always conquer. Paul also tells us in Romans 8 that we are "more than conquers through Him who loves us" (vs. 37). Again, Rocky comes to mind. I always liked how Rocky could take a beating, but always come out on top and win in the end. Rocky was a super-conqueror. Yes, I know it is only a movie, but it is moving nonetheless. We, as God's elect, are the same way. The devil and his demons throw all they are permitted to at us. That's okay, we will still stand. We will not fall down for good. The circumstances of life come out swinging with hard right hooks? That's okay. We take it on the jaw and stay toe to toe. Trials at home? We conquer. Trials with the death of a loved one? We still stand. Evil looms large and doubt clouds us? We don't cower or back down. Why? Because Jesus defeated them all, and He is in us, and we in Him. God is sovereign over all these events, and we will stand; we will be sanctified; and we will come out of the fire as a seasoned warrior who has been in the trenches and seen his God prevail.
So, Christian, what is your lot in life? What are your circumstances? What are your trials? Where have you failed or fallen? The doctrine of unconditional perseverance says that you are loved, God is for you, and you are a conqueror. Nothing can stay God's hand or rip you out of it. So, be bold, be courageous, and be faithful, and most of all, rejoice.