Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary: "Perseverance of the Saints"

Release Date: May 16, 2025
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Episode: Perseverance of the Saints

Introduction

In the episode titled "Perseverance of the Saints," Ligonier Ministries delves into a cornerstone of Reformed Theology: the doctrine that true believers will persevere in faith until the end. This discussion is particularly timely as the ministry addresses concerns about faith deconstruction and explores why some individuals abandon their Christian beliefs while others remain steadfast.

Understanding Perseverance of the Saints

Speaker A introduces the episode by highlighting the phenomenon of Christians leaving the faith and poses critical questions:

• Is it true that "once saved, always saved"?
• Why do some believers persevere while others do not?

These questions set the stage for an in-depth exploration of the perseverance doctrine, drawing heavily from the teachings of R.C. Sproul and the Westminster Confession of Faith.

The TULIP Acronym and Reformed Theology

Speaker B (presumably Dr. R.C. Sproul) continues by discussing the TULIP acronym, a mnemonic for five core tenets of Reformed Theology. In this episode, adjustments are made to better reflect the nuances of each doctrine:

• Total Depravity
• Unconditional Election
• Limited Atonement
• Irresistible Grace (preferred as "Effectual Grace")
• Perseverance of the Saints (suggested as "Preservation of the Saints")

At [02:46], Speaker B emphasizes the importance of Effectual Grace over Irresistible Grace, underscoring the active role of God in bringing about salvation.

Preservation of the Saints

The discussion transitions to the final point of TULIP: Perseverance of the Saints, which Speaker B prefers to term Preservation of the Saints. This change underscores that perseverance is not solely reliant on human effort but is primarily the work of God in sustaining believers.

Speaker B elaborates:

"The only reason we can give why any of us continues on in the faith even till the last day, is not because we have persevered so much as it is because we have been preserved." [06:15]

Biblical Foundations and Examples

The episode delves into various biblical passages that support the doctrine of perseverance:

• John 17: Jesus prays for the preservation of His disciples, ensuring they remain in God's hand.
  "Jesus prays for us that we would be preserved." [01:07]

• Philippians 1:6: Paul assures believers that God, who began a good work in them, will bring it to completion.

  "He who has begun a good work in you will perfect it to the end." [13:40]

Speaker B provides historical context by referencing the Westminster Confession of Faith, particularly its stance on Effectual Calling and how God initiates and sustains the believer's journey.

Case Studies: David, Peter, and Judas

To illustrate that true believers can experience significant falls without forfeiting their salvation, Speaker B references notable biblical figures:

• King David: Despite being "a man after God's own heart," David committed adultery and conspiracy, highlighting that even the most righteous can stumble.

  "David fell, and he fell seriously." [15:55]

• Apostle Peter: Peter's denial of Jesus represents a profound lapse, yet his eventual restoration underscores the possibility of repentance and continued faith.

  "I have prayed for you so that when you turn, strengthen the brothers." [20:10]

• Judas Iscariot: Contrasted with Peter, Judas's ultimate betrayal signifies a total falling away, serving as an exception rather than the rule.

  "Judas was called the Son of Perdition from the beginning." [19:25]

These examples reinforce the principle that while believers may falter, God's preservation ensures their eventual perseverance.

The Role of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ

Speaker B highlights the active roles of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ in the believer's perseverance:

• Holy Spirit: Acts as the "seal" and "earnest" of salvation, guaranteeing the believer's inheritance.

  "We are sealed by the Holy Spirit." [22:30]

• Jesus Christ: Continues His intercessory work as our High Priest, praying for our ultimate salvation and preservation.

  "My confidence in my preservation is not in my ability to persevere, but my confidence rests in the power of Christ." [25:24]

These divine interventions are pivotal in ensuring that what God initiates in a believer's life will ultimately be fulfilled.

Church Discipline and Community Accountability

The episode discusses the role of the church in maintaining the integrity of the faith community:

• Church Discipline: Used as a means to address serious sin within the church, with the hope of restoration rather than final condemnation.

  "Excommunication is done with the hope that the person is a true believer who is now engaged in a very persistent state of sin." [17:40]

• Repentance Examples: References the Corinthian church's handling of an incestuous member and Peter's restoration after his denial, illustrating the balance between accountability and grace.

  "The whole purpose of that excommunication was to provoke him to repentance." [18:55]

Judgment and Certainty of Salvation

Addressing skepticism, Speaker B emphasizes that ultimate judgment regarding a person's salvation rests with God:

• Human Judgment: Encourages charity and forbearance, recognizing that humans cannot ascertain the true state of another's soul.

  "We are called to be exceptionally forbearing with one another." [23:10]

• Divine Judgment: Affirms that God alone knows the true state of each individual and ensures the finality of salvation for the elect.

  "When God says that a certain person never was in a true state of faith, we can rest assured that that person never was in a true state of faith." [24:05]

Conclusion

The episode reinforces the doctrine that true believers, regenerated by God, are preserved in their salvation through His power and the ongoing work of Jesus Christ. Perseverance is not a testament to human strength but a guarantee of divine fidelity.

Speaker A concludes with a poignant statement from Dr. Sproul:

"My confidence in my preservation is not in my ability to persevere, but my confidence rests in the power of Christ." [25:24]

This assurance serves as a foundation for believers to trust in God's promise to complete the work He has begun in their lives.

Final Thoughts

"Perseverance of the Saints" offers a profound exploration of a fundamental Reformed belief, providing both theological depth and practical assurance for believers grappling with doubts about their spiritual standing. By intertwining doctrinal exposition with biblical narratives, the episode underscores the unwavering sovereignty of God in the salvation and preservation of His people.

For more insights and teachings on Reformed Theology, subscribe to the Renewing Your Mind podcast and visit renewingyourmind.org.