Body

INDUCTIVE BIBLE TOPIC STUDY

PRESERVATION AND PERSEVERANCE OF THE ELECT

By Dennis Schmidt 9/2007

This paper discusses eternal security, perseverance, or being kept by God that the Elect Christian has. From God's side, it is preservation and from man's side it is perseverance. The paper will answer the question can a saved Elect person ever be lost. All scriptures are from the King James' version scriptures.

INDUCTIVE COMMENTS:

THEME:

PRESERVATION: God will protect, maintain, keep intact, make perfect in unaltered condition the elect Christian to the end of their life.

Psalms 121:3-4, 7-8 "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. {4} Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. {7} The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. {8} The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."

PERSEVERANCE: Man will continue to endure in a state of grace to the end of his life unto salvation.

Hebrews 4:14 "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."G2902 Retain, hold fast, & keeps the Elect.

PURPOSE:

PRESERVATION: God will protect, maintain, keep intact, make perfect in unaltered condition the elect Christian to the end of their life.

H5337. natsal, naw-tsal'; a prim. root; to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense:-- X at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, X without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, X surely, take (out).

Genesis 32:30 "And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." H5337 God preserved & saves the Elects life.

H8104. shamar, shaw-mar'; a prim. root; prop. to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; gen. to protect, attend to, etc.:--beware, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep (-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch (-man).

G5083. tereo, tay-reh'-o; from teros (a watch; perh. akin to G2334); to guard (from loss or injury, prop. by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from G5442, which is prop. to prevent escaping; and from G2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy; fig. to fulfil a command); by impl. to detain (in custody; fig. to maintain); by extens. to withhold (for personal ends; fig. to keep unmarried):--hold fast, keep (-er), (ob-, pre-, re) serve, watch.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

G5083 God guards & watches over His Elect preserving them, holding them, & keeping them.

G4982. sozo, sode'-zo; from a prim. sos (contr. for obsol. saos, "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (lit. or fig.):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

2 Timothy 4:18 "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."G4982 Lord delivers/preserves

II) PERSEVERANCE: Man will continue to endure in a state of grace to the end of his life unto salvation.

G2722. katecho, kat-ekh'-o; from G2596 and G2192; to hold down (fast), in various applications (lit. or fig.):--have, hold (fast), keep (in memory), let, X make toward, possess, retain, seize on, stay, take, withhold.

Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)" G2722 God promise is to hold fast & keep the Elect.

G2902. krateo, krat-eh'-o; from G2904; to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (lit. or fig.):--hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).

Hebrews 4:14 "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."G2902 Retain, hold fast, & keeps the Elect.

G4343. proskarteresis, pros-kar-ter'-ay-sis; from G4342 ; persistency:-- perseverance.

G4342. proskartereo, pros-kar-ter-eh'-o; from G4314 and G2594; to be earnest towards, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor):--attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually). Only found in Ephesians 6:18.

Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" G4343 Perseverance for the saints

KEY VERSE:

Hebrews 4:14 "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."G2902 Retain, hold fast, & keeps the Elect.

WHO: God mainly by Bible authors Moses, David, Matthew, John, and Paul

TO WHOM: Elected Christians

WHAT: Eternal Security for who God Calls & Elects:

A) TRUSTING IN WORKS TO SAVE THEMSELVES INSTEAD OF GOD'S GRACE THROUGH FAITH:

Either the Christian is not taught about Jesus work of the imputed righteousness of God or he may be taught wrong that his salvation is depending on himself not sinning or sinning too much. Every sin the Elect committed or ever will commit has already been placed on Jesus two thousand years ago.

2 Corinthians 5:21 "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Here sin bearer that we are made the righteousness of God in Jesus

John 3:36 "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Everlasting Life (forever) to the believer.

Ephesians 2:5-9 "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) {6} And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: {7} That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. {8} For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast." Even, when we were dead in sins, God's grace saves us by His gift & not our works.

B) GOD'S GRACE PRESERVES THE ELECT:

Scriptures teaches that there is a group of Christians, the Elect, who are called and predestined by God's grace. God will persevere them throughout their entire life unto salvation.

John 10:28-29 "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. {29} My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." Elect have eternal life/never perish.

Romans 8:28-30 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. {29} For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. {30} Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: & whom he justified, them he also glorified." All things work for good to them. God's Elect -> foreknow -> predestine -> called -> justified -> glorified

1 Corinthians 1:7-8 "So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: {8} Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." Jesus shall confirm you to the end that you be blameless on that day.

C) CAN A SAVED PERSON EVER BE LOST?: There are several Church teachings shown below.

1) Bible/Calvinists Teaches the Elect will persevere to the end because God preserves the Elect.

2) Pentecostals Teach any saved person can lose his salvation by sin.

3) Protestants In general, teaches that salvation may be lost by sin or apostasy.

4) Roman Catholics Teaches that salvation can be lost by a mortal sin such as murder.

D) MERE & CARNAL WORLDLY BELIEVERS: What about the believer who falls?

E) PARABLE OF THE SOWER: Sower Parable shows the unbeliever, mere, carnal, & Elect believer

Luke 8:5-15 "A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. {6} And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. {7} And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. {8} And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. {9} And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? {10} And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. {11} Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. {12} Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. {13} They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. {14} And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. {15} But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." Matthew 13:3-23

Four types of people are shown in this parable where the seed represents the Word of God. The non believer is type 1 group. The mere believer is types 2 group. The carnal Christian will not endure to the end is type 3 group. The Elect Christian will endure to the end is type 4 group.

1) Way side -> trodden down -> fowls devour it -> people hear Word -> Devil takes away Word -> out of their hearts -> lest they believe & be saved

The Sower Parable shows four groups of hearer of the Word. Non believers never receive the Word, the Devil takes the Word away from their heart, so they never believe or act on it. They are from the Sower Parable as group 1.

2) Rock -> sprung up -> withered away -> lack moisture -> Mere believer's hear the Word -> receive with joy -> no root -> for awhile believe -> in time of temptation -> fall away

There is a distinction between a mere believer who simply follows Christianity professes faith who receives the Word, acts on it, endures for a time, tempted, & falls away. They are from the Sower Parable as group 2.

3) Thorns -> sprung up -> thorns choked it -> Carnal worldly believer's heard Word -> go forth -> choked with cares and riches -> pleasures of this life -> bring no fruit -> to perfection

There are carnal followers of Christianity who receives the Word, acts on it, looked as if they were the Elect, endure for a time. However, the cares, riches, and deceitful pleasures of the world means they don't produce Christian faith fruits nor go on to perfection. They are from the Sower Parable as group 3.

4) Good ground -> sprang up -> bare fruit -> hundred fold -> Elect believer's with a honest and good heart -> heard the Word -> keep it -> bring forth faith fruits with patience

The Elect believer will receives the Word, act on it to the end, & bring forth fruit. The scriptures teach that Elect people will persevere because God will preserve them. They are from the Sower Paravle as group 4.

F) ELECT BELIEVER'S PLEASE GOD BY FAITH NOT WORKS OR LAW:

Their life is centered on Jesus and not the world system. They have not lost their first love. They talk about Jesus, study, pray, discuss, and meet with others of like mind faith.

Romans 3:21-24 "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; {22} Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: {23} For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; {24} Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" Faith in Jesus imputed righteousness to sinners by God's grace.

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."Faith is the way.

G) MERE BELIEVER'S BIBLICAL EXAMPLES:

The mere believer's initially are in Jesus, have no faith fruit, & later fall away due to temptations.

John 15:2 "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." Both branches are in Jesus.

H) CARNAL WORLDLY BELIEVER'S EXAMPLES?:

WHY: ELECT BELIEVER'S PLEASE GOD BY FAITH NOT WORKS OR LAW:

Their life is centered on Jesus and not the world system. They have not lost their first love. They talk about Jesus, study, pray, discuss, and meet with others of like mind faith.

WAY: GOD'S GRACE PRESERVES THE ELECT:

Scriptures teaches that there is a group of Christians, the Elect, who are called and predestined by God's grace. God will persevere them throughout their entire life unto salvation.

WHEREAS:

A) CAN A ELECT PERSON EVER BE LOST? NO! The Bible shows that the Elect will persevere because God will preserve them.

Romans 6:22-23 "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. {23} For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Elect are changed, focusing on Jesus having fruits of holness, & free from sin (earn by works or effort) etenal life.

Hebrews 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Jesus is the author and finisher of the Elect's faith.

1 John 5:13 "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." You believe on Jesus and you may know that you have eternal life. The Elect know, without any doubt, that you have eternal life.

B) GOD IS THE PRESERVER OF HIS ELECT:

Psalms 121:7-8 "The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. {8} The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Lord -> Elect preserve -> from all evil -> any movement -> all times -> for ever more.

WHERE: Earth

WHEN: All Times

PAPER OUTLINE:

I) PRESERVATION:

II) PERSEVERANCE:

III) Eternal Security for who God Calls & Elects:

A) TRUSTING IN WORKS TO SAVE THEMSELVES INSTEAD OF GOD'S GRACE THROUGH FAITH:

B) GOD'S GRACE PRESERVES THE ELECT:

C) CAN A SAVED PERSON EVER BE LOST?:

D) MERE & CARNAL WORLDLY BELIEVERS:

E) PARABLE OF THE SOWER:

F) ELECT BELIEVER'S PLEASE GOD BY FAITH NOT WORKS OR LAW:

G) MERE BELIEVER'S BIBLICAL EXAMPLES:

H) CARNAL WORLDLY BELIEVER'S EXAMPLES?:

1) THE BIBLE WARNS OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF NO FAITH, SIN, & WORLD PLEASURE TO SHOW THEY ARE REALLY THE NON-ELECT:

2) PAUL, AN ELECT, STAYS TO THE END:

3) DEMAS FORSAKES GOD'S CALLING:

4) SOME CARNAL WORLDLY BELIEVERS INCLUDE:

I) WHO ARE THE ELECT?:

J) WHAT ABOUT THE ELECT WHO SIN?:

K) THE ELECT HAVE ETERNAL (EVERLASTING AND PERPETUAL) LIFE & WILL NEVER PERISH:

L) GOD'S PART IN KEEPING THE ELECT PRESERVED UNTO ETERNAL LIFE:

M) WHAT IS GOD'S PART IN SAVING THE ELECT?:

N) GOD IS FAITHFUL TO DO WHAT HE PROMISED:

O) WHAT IS THE ELECT'S PART?:

IV) CONCLUSION:

A) CAN A ELECT PERSON EVER BE LOST? NO!

B) GOD IS THE PRESERVER OF HIS ELECT:

I) PRESERVATION: God will protect, maintain, keep intact, make perfect in unaltered condition the elect Christian to the end of their life.

Genesis 32:30 "And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." H5337 God preserved & saves the Elects life.

Psalms 121:3-4, 7-8 "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. {4} Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. {7} The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. {8} The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Preserve = Keepeth = H8104

1 Thessalonians 5:23 "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

G5083 God guards & watches over His Elect preserving them, holding them, & keeping them.

G4982. sozo, sode'-zo; from a prim. sos (contr. for obsol. saos, "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (lit. or fig.):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

2 Timothy 4:18 "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."G4982 Lord delivers/preserves

II) PERSEVERANCE: Man will continue to endure in a state of grace to the end of his life unto salvation.

Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)" G2722 God promise is to hold fast & keep the Elect.

G2902. krateo, krat-eh'-o; from G2904; to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (lit. or fig.):--hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).

Hebrews 4:14 "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."G2902 Retain, hold fast, & keeps the Elect.

G4343. proskarteresis, pros-kar-ter'-ay-sis; from G4342 ; persistency:-- perseverance.

Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" G4343 Perseverance for the saints

III) Eternal Security for who God Calls & Elects:

A) TRUSTING IN WORKS TO SAVE THEMSELVES INSTEAD OF GOD'S GRACE THROUGH FAITH:

2 Corinthians 5:21 "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."Here sin bearer that we are made the righteousness of God in Jesus

See my paper: "True Gospel for Salvation by the Imputed Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "What is Born-Again and How to Become One?" for more information on this subject.

Ephesians 2:5-9 "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) {6} And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: {7} That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. {8} For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast." Even, when we were dead in sins, God's grace saves us by His gift & not our works.

See my paper: "Grace" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Questions & Answers on Law, Faith, & Liberty" for more information on this subject.

B) GOD'S GRACE PRESERVES THE ELECT:

Scriptures teaches that there is a group of Christians, the Elect, who are called and predestined by God's grace. God will persevere them throughout their entire life unto salvation.

See my paper: "Salvation Biblical Word Glossary" for more information on this subject.

John 10:28-29 "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. {29} My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." Elect have eternal life/never perish.

Romans 8:28-30 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. {29} For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. {30} Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: & whom he justified, them he also glorified." All things work for good to them. God's Elect -> foreknow -> predestine -> called -> justified -> glorified

1 Corinthians 1:7-8 "So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: {8} Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." Jesus shall confirm you to the end that you be blameless on that day.

C) CAN A SAVED PERSON EVER BE LOST?: There are several Church teachings shown below.

See my paper: "Some Saved and Some Lost God's Sovereignty" for more information on this subject.

1) Bible/Calvinists Teaches the Elect will persevere to the end because God preserves the Elect.

2) Pentecostals Teach any saved person can lose his salvation by sin.

3) Protestants In general, teaches that salvation may be lost by sin or apostasy.

4) Roman Catholics Teaches that salvation can be lost by a mortal sin such as murder.

D) MERE & CARNAL WORLDLY BELIEVERS: What about the believer who falls?

E) PARABLE OF THE SOWER: Sower Parable shows the unbeliever, mere, carnal, & Elect believer

Luke 8:5-15 "A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. {6} And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. {7} And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. {8} And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. {9} And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? {10} And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. {11} Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. {12} Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. {13} They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. {14} And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. {15} But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." Matthew 13:3-23

1) Way side -> trodden down -> fowls devour it -> people hear Word -> Devil takes away Word -> out of their hearts -> lest they believe & be saved

2) Rock -> sprung up -> withered away -> lack moisture -> Mere believer's hear the Word -> receive with joy -> no root -> for awhile believe -> in time of temptation -> fall away

3) Thorns -> sprung up -> thorns choked it -> Carnal worldly believer's heard Word -> go forth -> choked with cares and riches -> pleasures of this life -> bring no fruit -> to perfection

4) Good ground -> sprang up -> bare fruit -> hundred fold -> Elect believer's with a honest and good heart -> heard the Word -> keep it -> bring forth faith fruits with patience

F) ELECT BELIEVER'S PLEASE GOD BY FAITH NOT WORKS OR LAW:

Their life is centered on Jesus and not the world system. They have not lost their first love. They talk about Jesus, study, pray, discuss, and meet with others of like mind faith.

Romans 3:21-24 "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; {22} Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: {23} For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; {24} Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" Faith in Jesus imputed righteousness to sinners by God's grace.

G) MERE BELIEVER'S BIBLICAL EXAMPLES:

The mere believer's initially are in Jesus, have no faith fruit, & later fall away due to temptations.

John 15:2 "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." Both branches are in Jesus.

See my paper: "End Times Events - Day of the Lord" for more information on this subject.

H) CARNAL WORLDLY BELIEVER'S EXAMPLES?:

1) THE BIBLE WARNS OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF NO FAITH, SIN, & WORLD PLEASURE TO SHOW THEY ARE REALLY THE NON-ELECT:

See my paper: "Faith" for more information on this subject.

Matthew 22:37 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." The whole person puts God first.

Romans 8:5-8 "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. {6} For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. {7} Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. {8} So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Carnal worldly believer's are enmity against God which leads to death.

Revelation 2:3-4 "And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. {4} Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." Frist love is Jesus who we are to love with all our heart, soul, & mind.

2) PAUL, AN ELECT, STAYS TO THE END:

1 Timothy 4:1 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" Some depart from faith.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. {7} I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: {8} Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

3) DEMAS FORSAKES GOD'S CALLING:

2 Timothy 4:10 "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, & is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia." See difference from Paul just a two verses earlier.

Colossians 4:14 "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you."Demas labored with Paul who consided him saved

Philemon 1:24 "Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers."Demas fellowlabourer

1 John 2:15-17 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. {16} For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. {17} And the world passeth away & the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

See my paper: "God Plans for His Purpose. Who Harden Pharaoh's Heart?" for more information on this subject.

4) SOME CARNAL WORLDLY BELIEVERS INCLUDE:

Matthew 7:21-23 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. {22} Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? {23} And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."Carnal worldly believer trust in their works not not the true gospel for salvation by the imputed righteousness of Jesus alone.

Hebrews 6:4-6 "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, {5} And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, {6} If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." Hebrews 10:26-31. The carnal worldly believer does not keep a saving faith to the end of his life but trust in his own works. These have falling away and can not return.

See my paper: "Unpardonable Sin" for more information on this subject.

I) WHO ARE THE ELECT?:

Romans 8:31-33 "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? {32} He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? {33} Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth."God is for the Elect whom He justifies. They shall go on in faith to the end of their life.

See my paper: "Justification" for more information on this subject.

Romans 11:5-7 "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. {6} And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. {7} What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded" Elect have obtained and the rest blinded.

See my paper: "Is Free Will Biblical?" for more information on this subject.

2 Timothy 2:10 "Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." The elect will obtain salvation in Jesus.

1 Peter 1:2-5 "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. {3} Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, {4} To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, {5} Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." Kept by the power of God

God's Elect -> foreknowledge -> sanctified -> obedience -> begotten us again -> inheritance incorruptible -> reserved in heaven -> kept -> faith -> salvation

J) WHAT ABOUT THE ELECT WHO SIN?:

The Elect should live a righteous, pure, & holy life. However, God has ways of dealing with the Elect who sin. They are chastised, loose rewards, and may be taken by God.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. {12} Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; {13} Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. {14} If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. {15} If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." God judges the God judges the Elect's good or poor works and rewards or punishes the results. They are still saved by their faith in the righteousness of Jesus imputed to them.

See my paper: "Imputed/Reckoned/Counted for Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.

1 Corinthians 11:29-32 "For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. {30} For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. {31} For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. {32} But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world." God chastises the Elect so they will not be condemned with the world. In {30} sleep = death by God's chastening.

Hebrews 12:5-6 "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: {6} For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." The Lord chasten His Elect sons for their benefit.

K) THE ELECT HAVE ETERNAL (EVERLASTING AND PERPETUAL) LIFE & WILL NEVER PERISH:

John 3:15-16 "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. {16} For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Elect -> believe -> have eternal life -> will not perish

John 5:24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." Everlasting life who shall not come into condemnation even after they sin.

John 10:28 "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." Never means perpetually or eternal life and never perish

John 11:26 "And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

John 17:2 "As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him." Jesus gives eternal life to as many as the Father has given Him.

L) GOD'S PART IN KEEPING THE ELECT PRESERVED UNTO ETERNAL LIFE:

John 17:11-12 "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. {12} While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." Kept or preserved by God through God's name with none lost.

Ephesians 1:4-5 "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: {5} Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,"God choose Elect before world's foundation & predestines to adoption children His pleasure.

Ephesians 1:13-14 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, {14} Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."You were sealed with Holy Spirit as inheritance redeemed.

Ephesians 5:26-27 "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, {27} That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." He = God presents them sanctified & cleanse to Himself as a glorious Church holy & without blemish.

Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" God begun the good work & will perform it.

2 Timothy 4:18 "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Preserve unto heaven

Jude 1:1, 24 "Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: {24} Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy," Preserved in Jesus who will present you faultless & keep from falling.

M) WHAT IS GOD'S PART IN SAVING THE ELECT?:

John 6:39 "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day."Never lose but raise up again

Titus 3:5-7 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; {6} Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; {7} That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."God's mercy saved us by grace to eternal life.

Hebrews 10:14 "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."

God has perfected forever the Elect who He has also sanctified.

N) GOD IS FAITHFUL TO DO WHAT HE PROMISED:

Deuteronomy 7:9 "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;" God keeps His covenant and mercy to them that love Him.

Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"

1 Thessalonians 5:24 "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." God will do it.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 "But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." God establish you and will keep you from evil.

O) WHAT IS THE ELECT'S PART?: Persevering

John 15:4-6, 8, 12-13, 16, 19 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. {5} I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. {6} If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. {8} Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. {12} This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. {13} Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. {16} Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. {19} If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."The Elect will abide in Jesus, centered on Him, showing His love, & not be part of world.

Ephesians 4:30 "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." Grieve not the Holy Spirit wherby you are sealed unto that day.

Philippians 2:12-13 "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. {13} For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." God working in you to work out your salvation

2 Timothy 2:20-22 "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. {21} If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. {22} Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

Can purge himself of sin and do good work following righteousness, faith, charity (love), & peace.

Hebrews 6:9-12 "But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. {10} For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. {11} And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: {12} That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."Elect will do things accompany salvation unto end.

2 Peter 1:10 "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:" Give diligence to assure your calling & never fall.

IV) CONCLUSION:

A) CAN A ELECT PERSON EVER BE LOST? NO! The Bible shows that the Elect will persevere because God will preserve them.

Romans 6:22-23 "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. {23} For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Elect are changed, focusing on Jesus having fruits of holness, & free from sin (earn by works or effort) etenal life.

Hebrews 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Jesus is the author and finisher of the Elect's faith.

1 John 5:13 "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." You believe on Jesus and you may know that you have eternal life. The Elect know, without any doubt, that you have eternal life.

B) GOD IS THE PRESERVER OF HIS ELECT:

Psalms 121:7-8 "The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. {8} The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Lord -> Elect preserve -> from all evil -> any movement -> all times -> for ever more.

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This page is maintained by Dennis Schmidt. Please send your questions or comments to (dennisschmidt@att.net)