PERSERVERANCE

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. And this is the will of Him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has given me, but raise it up on the last day (John 6:37,39).

They, whom God hath accepted in His Beloved, effectually called, and sanctified by His Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved (Westminster Confession Of Faith Chapter 17.1).

We all know people who enthusiastically professed faith but at some point denounced their profession, and quit the race. How do you know you won’t walk away, go on a sin binge, be disillusioned by tragedy or deeply wounded by a church and drop out? How can you be sure to make it to the end of the race?

The biblical teaching on perseverance means that when God sets His love on someone, determines to redeem them, opens their eyes, and draws them to himself, He will see that all the way through to completion. God perseveres! God finishes what He starts. Once you are in the family of God, you are forever in the family of God. Psalm 36 says in 26 straight verses, the steadfast love of the Lord endures forever.

What if I change my mind? Our perseverance doesn’t rest on our ability to persevere.  What if I commit a really heinous sin? David did, Peter did and they were not cast out.  There is no reason Jesus will ever close His heart to you. He will never cast you out. You are not strong enough to fall away while God is resolved to hold you. He will hold you fast!

Prayer:
Thank you, Father, that nothing (not even my fickle heart) is able to snatch me out of your hand.