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f. From the assurance of salvation.
It is quite evident from Scripture that believers can in this
life attain to the assurance of salvation, Heb. 3:14; 6:11; 10:22; II Pet. 1:10. This would seem to
be entirely out of the question, if it were possible for believers to fall from grace at any
moment. It can be enjoyed only by those who stand in the firm conviction that God will perfect
the work which He has begun.
D. OBJECTIONS TO THE DOCTRINE OF PERSEVERANCE.
1. IT IS INCONSISTENT WITH HUMAN FREEDOM.
It is said that the doctrine of perseverance is
inconsistent with human freedom. But this objection proceeds on the false assumption that
real freedom consists in the liberty of indifference, or the power of contrary choice in moral
and spiritual matters. This is erroneous, however. True liberty consists exactly in self-
determination in the direction of holiness. Man is never more free than when he moves
consciously in the direction of God. And the Christian stands in that liberty through the grace of
God.
2. IT LEADS TO INDOLENCE AND IMMORALITY.
It is confidently asserted that the doctrine of
perseverance leads to indolence, license, and even immorality. A false security is said to result
from it. This is a mistaken notion, however, for, although the Bible tells us that we are kept by
the grace of God, it does not encourage the idea that God keeps us without constant
watchfulness, diligence, and prayer on our part. It is hard to see how a doctrine which assures
the believer of a perseverance in holiness can be an incentive for sin. It would seem that the
certainty of success in the active striving for sanctification would be the best possible stimulus
to ever greater exertion.
3. IT IS CONTRARY TO SCRIPTURE.
The doctrine is frequently declared to be contrary to
Scripture. The passages adduced to prove this contention can be reduced to three classes.
a. There are warnings against apostasy which would seem to be quite uncalled for, if the
believer could not fall away, Matt. 24:12; Col. 1:23; Heb. 2:1; 3:14; 6:11; I John 2:6. But these
warnings regard the whole matter from the side of man and are seriously meant. They prompt
self-examination, and are instrumental in keeping believers in the way of perseverance. They
do not prove that any of those addressed will apostatize, but simply that the use of means is
necessary to prevent them from committing this sin. Compare Acts 27:22-25 with verse 31 for
an illustration of this principle.
b. There are also exhortations, urging believers to continue in the way of sanctification, which
would appear to be unnecessary if there is no doubt about it that they will continue to the end.
But these are usually found in connection with such warnings as those referred to under (a),