The Bible does teach that, in order to be saved, one must "endure to the end," that is, to continue in the doctrine and in the faith of Christ. But Calvinism views "perseverance" in a unique light. It is widely supposed that Calvinism views "perseverance" as being the seal, or the proof, in this present life, of one's "election" of God. The elect, once that they receive God's grace and are converted, will thereafter "persevere" in the state of grace; according to Calvinism. But in reality, it is the negative aspect of their doctrine of "perseverance," whereby Calvinists intend to substantiate their doctrine of "election." That is to say, that Calvinists presume to use their doctrine of "perseverance" to "prove" that whomever may turn back from following Christ, was never really "converted" in the first place. So-and-so did not "persevere:" therefore, they never were truly converted. The fact that they did not persevere, is evidence that they are not one of the "elect."
It is more than a curiosity, to me, however, that Calvinists speak at all of "persevering." For, that word means: "to struggle on; to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success." The word 'perseverance' connotes not merely action, but determined and purposeful action "in the face of difficulty," etc. Hmm. Sounds likes "works" to me. In fact, it sounds very much like that Calvinists, having begun in grace merely by hearing the "gospel of their salvation" (even their "believing" must be given to them by God, so they claim), must thereafter shoulder the responsibility to comport themselves in a manner wholly consistent with Christian conduct and lifestyle, without wavering or regressing at any point (for, then, would they not be "persevering"). Yet, somehow (according to Calvinism), even their persevering cannot be attributed to their own choices and will, but it is "all of God," as MacArthur wrote. They persevere, because, they cannot do otherwise.
Such a concept of faithfulness to God, however, can have nothing whatsoever to do with anything like real love to God (nor yet with the reality of human experience). Calvinists deny that their own will has anything to do with their own salvation. And we did see, according to the writings of John MacArthur, that God must "overrule" the will of every individual whom God saves. I have one word for such "converts," who "persevere" in a course dictated to them by means of their own will having been "overruled": robots.
Importantly, the Calvinist view of "perseverance" rules out the possibility of backsliding. Which, in turn, renders the word "Revival" senseless. Only the elect are saved, and the elect persevere, from conversion until their translation to glory. Whosoever appears to demur from the path of grace, was never actually converted. "Once saved, always saved," is the rule of Calvinism.
But what is the path of grace? How can one know that he or she is "persevering?" What is there for a Calvinist to do, who is "saved?" If, as Calvinism claims, the first evidence of conversion is the awareness of a newly-received "faith" in the gospel message; then, is a Calvinist "persevering" who may have troubling questions or nagging doubts regarding the meaning and/or the veracity of that message ~ even if, perchance, there may not appear any change in the conduct of such a person? Must a Calvinist attend church? How often? Must it be a Calvinist church? Must a Calvinist pray? or study the Bible? Why? How will prayer or Bible study make them any more "saved?" How will the lack of prayer or of Bible study make them any less saved?
Must the alcoholic who hears and believes the gospel, then cease from being an alcoholic? If the answer to that question is, "yes;" is that not then a "condition" attaching to what is supposed to be "unconditional" election? The Calvinist believes that Christ's death atoned for all possible sins, past, present and future. What is the meaning, therefore, of "sanctification?" Is that essential to salvation? If it is, then, isn't "sanctification" thus a "condition" of salvation? But if not, then, what is "salvation," apart from "sanctification?" So I must ask, yet again, what are the guidelines for determining whether or not one is "persevering?"
The doctrine of the "perseverance of the saints" means that Calvinists can therefore never know who may actually be a Christian (including their own self). For, although Brother Walktheline may appear to have consistently lived a Christian life (whatever that may mean to Calvinists) for the past thirty years, yet, tomorrow, he may begin to exhibit some very un-Christian behavior and, so, demonstrate that he was never really "converted" at all. Accordingly, no Calvinist is by any means capable to determine (until the very moment of death; but only God can then truly know), whether or not this person, or that one, truly was converted. But if Calvinists may be willing to overlook any professing Christian's misbehavior, from time to time or at any time (I do not say they are willing; much less do I say that the doctrine of "perseverance" allows for any lapses of morality); then, who is to say how often, or for how long a period of time, one may experience some "lapse of morality," without being considered to be, in reality, an unconverted hypocrite?
Especially in view of the doctrine of "unconditional election," the doctrine of "perseverance of the saints" is, in actual fact, useless, because it is meaningless (in any positive sense). The only apparent meaning and utility which the "perseverance" doctrine lends to Calvinism, can have nothing to do with "ruling in" who is a Christian; but, rather, it is only useful for "ruling out" who never was at any time a "real" Christian. In other words:
Calvinism's "perseverance" doctrine is only useful to deny the possibility that one can backslide and die lost, who used to walk with God.And that is the Devil's lie that he has subtly concealed within Calvinism's doctrine of "perseverance." It is a dangerous and potentially deadly lie. Sly dog, the Devil. But not sly enough to fool the Holy Ghost.
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