Ultimately with R.C. Sproul: “Perseverance of the Saints”

Date: February 6, 2026
Host: Ligonier Ministries

Episode Overview

This episode of Ultimately with R.C. Sproul centers on one of Reformed theology’s “Five Points of Calvinism”—the perseverance (or preservation) of the saints. R.C. Sproul reflects on where our confidence in salvation truly lies: not in human willpower or dedication, but in God’s sustaining grace, anchored in Christ’s ongoing work as our High Priest.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Foundation of Christian Confidence

• Sproul opens by clarifying the basis for a believer’s assurance in salvation:
  • True confidence “rests upon the great High Priest that we have who intercedes for us every day.” (00:00)
  • This confidence is not found in personal strength or commitment.

The Danger of Self-Reliance

• Sproul urges listeners not to trust in their own dedication:
  • "Our confidence in the perseverance of the saints is not a confidence that rests in the flesh where we look at ourselves and we say, well, I'm never going to fall away. I'm much too dedicated, sounding like Simon Peter in the upper room." (00:14)
  • He references Peter’s overconfidence before his denial of Christ, cautioning against similar presumptions.

Perseverance vs. Preservation

• Sproul expresses preference for the term “preservation of the saints” over “perseverance”:
  • “In fact, I don't even like the term perseverance. I like the term preservation.” (00:34)
  • The key point: believers persevere only because God preserves them.
  • “The only reason we persevere, the only reason we can persevere, is because God preserves us.” (00:40)

Human Vulnerability and Divine Protection

• Recognizing human frailty, Sproul warns:
  • “If it were left to ourselves, we could fall at any moment. Satan could sift us like wheat.” (00:46)
  • Draws from Jesus’ warning to Peter in the Gospels, highlighting spiritual vulnerability.

God’s Promises and Christ’s Intercession

• Sproul grounds assurance in God’s commitment and Christ’s advocacy:
  • “Our confidence in the final chapter of our salvation rests in the promises of God to finish what he has started and rests upon the efficacy of the great High Priest that we have who intercedes for us every day. He will preserve us.” (00:54)
• Emphasizes that the endurance of believers is tied to God’s unchanging nature and Christ’s ongoing, priestly mediation.

Notable Quotes

• On misplaced self-confidence:
  “I'm never going to fall away. I'm much too dedicated, sounding like Simon Peter in the upper room.” (00:16)
  – R.C. Sproul
• On God as the preserver:
  “The only reason we persevere, the only reason we can persevere, is because God preserves us.” (00:40)
  – R.C. Sproul
• On the foundation of true assurance:
  “Our confidence in the final chapter of our salvation rests in the promises of God to finish what he has started and rests upon the efficacy of the great High Priest that we have who intercedes for us every day. He will preserve us.” (00:54)
  – R.C. Sproul

Memorable Moments and Timestamps

• 00:00 – Opening reflection on Christ’s intercession as the anchor of assurance.
• 00:14 – Warning against confidence in personal dedication, referencing Peter’s mistake.
• 00:34 – Sproul’s preference for “preservation” over “perseverance” and the theological significance.
• 00:46 – Human frailty and the threat of spiritual failure without God’s sustaining grace.
• 00:54 – Final summary affirming that God completes and preserves the salvation of His people.

Tone and Language

R.C. Sproul speaks with pastoral warmth and theological depth, emphasizing comfort rooted in the character and promises of God rather than human effort. He uses vivid biblical references and practical illustrations, encouraging listeners to rest in Christ’s faithfulness and ongoing work.

This episode serves as an encouragement to believers struggling with assurance, directing their gaze away from themselves and towards the preserving power of God in Christ.