Assurance in the Final Perseverance of the Saints
Summary
In our journey through the doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints, we explore the assurance and certainty of our ultimate arrival in glory. This doctrine, while comforting, often raises questions and doubts among believers. To address these, we must adhere to certain principles of biblical interpretation. First, we must rely solely on Scripture, avoiding philosophical arguments that can lead us astray. Scripture is sufficient and infallible, and our interpretations must be grounded in its teachings.
Second, we must compare Scripture with Scripture, ensuring that our interpretations do not contradict other biblical teachings. The Bible, being God-breathed, is harmonious and consistent. Third, we should begin with the great positive statements of Scripture, the proof texts that are clear and unambiguous. These foundational truths provide a solid base from which to interpret more difficult passages.
Fourth, we must interpret difficult or ambiguous passages in light of these foundational truths. This approach prevents us from forming doctrines based on isolated or unclear texts, which has historically led to heresies. Finally, we must pay close attention to the details and context of each passage. By doing so, we can avoid misinterpretations that arise from taking verses out of context or ignoring the specific language used.
Through these principles, we can navigate the complexities of Scripture and find assurance in the doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints. This assurance is not only vital for our confidence and enjoyment of the Christian life but also for our growth in grace and holiness.
Key Takeaways:
- Scripture Alone: When interpreting difficult passages, rely solely on Scripture, avoiding philosophical arguments that can lead us away from the truth. Scripture is sufficient and infallible, providing all we need for understanding and salvation. [12:03]
- Compare Scripture with Scripture: Ensure that interpretations do not contradict other biblical teachings. The Bible is harmonious, and comparing Scripture with Scripture helps maintain consistency in our understanding. [13:02]
- Start with Positive Statements: Begin with clear and unambiguous proof texts. These foundational truths provide a solid base for interpreting more difficult passages, ensuring that our understanding is rooted in certainty. [14:21]
- Contextual Interpretation: Pay close attention to the details and context of each passage. Misinterpretations often arise from taking verses out of context or ignoring specific language, leading to confusion and error. [25:59]
- Avoid Isolated Texts: Do not form doctrines based on isolated or unclear texts. This approach has historically led to heresies, and we must ensure that our interpretations align with the broader teachings of Scripture. [25:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:19] - Addressing Difficulties
- [05:05] - Scriptural Quotations
- [06:09] - Principles of Interpretation
- [07:26] - Recommended Reading
- [09:06] - Residual Problems
- [10:54] - Scripture Alone
- [12:32] - Compare Scripture with Scripture
- [13:19] - Positive Statements
- [15:04] - Proof Texts
- [19:17] - Assurance and Growth
- [23:06] - Difficult Passages
- [25:41] - Attention to Details
- [29:21] - Parable of the Sower
- [39:01] - False Believers
- [57:32] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 10:27-29
2. 1 John 5:18-19
3. 1 Peter 1:3-5
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 10:27-29, what assurance does Jesus give about the security of His followers? How does this relate to the doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints? [16:12]
2. According to 1 John 5:18-19, what distinction does John make between those who are born of God and the world? How does this passage contribute to our understanding of spiritual security? [22:22]
3. In 1 Peter 1:3-5, what role does God's power play in the security of believers? How is this security described in terms of inheritance? [21:16]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of interpreting Scripture with Scripture. How does this principle help in understanding difficult passages? [12:32]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the assurance given in John 10:27-29 impact a believer's confidence in their salvation? What does this imply about the nature of Jesus' promise? [16:12]
2. In 1 John 5:18-19, John states that the wicked one cannot touch those born of God. What does this suggest about the spiritual protection believers have? How might this influence a believer's daily life? [22:22]
3. 1 Peter 1:3-5 speaks of an inheritance that is "incorruptible and undefiled." How does this description of inheritance provide comfort and motivation for believers? [21:16]
4. The sermon discusses the danger of forming doctrines based on isolated texts. How can this practice lead to misunderstandings or heresies? [25:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you doubted your salvation. How can the assurance found in John 10:27-29 help you find peace and confidence in your faith journey? [16:12]
2. Consider the spiritual protection described in 1 John 5:18-19. How can this understanding change the way you approach spiritual battles or temptations in your life? [22:22]
3. The sermon emphasizes starting with clear and positive statements of Scripture. How can you incorporate this principle into your personal Bible study to avoid confusion? [14:21]
4. Think about a difficult or ambiguous Bible passage you have encountered. How can the principles of comparing Scripture with Scripture and considering context help you interpret it more accurately? [23:06]
5. The sermon warns against relying on philosophical arguments over Scripture. Are there areas in your life where you tend to lean on human reasoning rather than biblical truth? How can you shift your focus to Scripture alone? [12:03]
6. How can the assurance of an incorruptible inheritance in 1 Peter 1:3-5 motivate you to live a life of holiness and dedication to God? What specific actions can you take this week to reflect this assurance? [21:16]
7. Reflect on the importance of context in understanding Scripture. Can you recall a time when taking a verse out of context led to misunderstanding? How can you ensure you consider context in future Bible studies? [25:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Scripture as Our Sole Guide
In our journey of faith, it is crucial to rely solely on Scripture for guidance and understanding. The Bible is sufficient and infallible, providing all we need for understanding and salvation. By avoiding philosophical arguments that can lead us away from the truth, we anchor our beliefs in the solid foundation of God's Word. This approach ensures that our interpretations are not swayed by human reasoning but are firmly rooted in divine revelation. [12:03]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on human wisdom rather than Scripture? How can you intentionally seek God's guidance through His Word today?
Day 2: Harmonizing Scripture with Scripture
To maintain consistency in our understanding of biblical teachings, it is essential to compare Scripture with Scripture. The Bible, being God-breathed, is harmonious and consistent. By ensuring that our interpretations do not contradict other biblical teachings, we uphold the integrity of God's Word. This practice helps us to see the bigger picture and understand the interconnectedness of biblical truths, leading to a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of Scripture. [13:02]
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a specific biblical teaching you find challenging to understand? How can you use other Scripture passages to gain clarity and insight into this teaching today?
Day 3: Building on Foundational Truths
When interpreting Scripture, it is wise to begin with clear and unambiguous proof texts. These foundational truths provide a solid base for interpreting more difficult passages, ensuring that our understanding is rooted in certainty. By starting with these positive statements, we can navigate the complexities of Scripture with confidence, knowing that our interpretations are grounded in the core teachings of the Bible. [14:21]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Reflection: What foundational truth from Scripture has been a guiding light in your life? How can you use this truth to help interpret a challenging passage you are currently studying?
Day 4: Contextual Understanding
Paying close attention to the details and context of each passage is vital to avoid misinterpretations. Misinterpretations often arise from taking verses out of context or ignoring specific language, leading to confusion and error. By considering the context, we gain a deeper understanding of the intended message and can apply it more accurately to our lives. This approach helps us to honor the integrity of Scripture and prevents us from forming doctrines based on isolated or unclear texts. [25:59]
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you misunderstood a Bible verse because you didn't consider its context. How can you ensure that you are rightly handling the word of truth in your current study of Scripture?
Day 5: Avoiding Doctrinal Errors
To prevent the formation of doctrines based on isolated or unclear texts, it is crucial to align our interpretations with the broader teachings of Scripture. This approach has historically led to heresies, and we must be diligent in ensuring that our beliefs are consistent with the overall message of the Bible. By doing so, we safeguard our faith and uphold the truth of God's Word, allowing it to guide us in all aspects of life. [25:23]
"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." (Acts 17:11, ESV)
Reflection: Are there any beliefs you hold that may be based on isolated texts? How can you examine the Scriptures more diligently to ensure your beliefs align with the broader teachings of the Bible?
Quotes
Now then, what I can do is this and what I will try to do to the best of my ability and as I am enabled by the spirit of God. I will try to lay down certain Cannons of interpretation, certain principles of interpretation which will help you not only to interpret these particular scriptures but any Scripture which is difficult and which is perplexing. [00:06:29]
This truth is so great that none of us or not all of us together can finally Encompass it so that having done our best there will still be perhaps certain questions and queries in people's minds. I'm not saying for a moment that I can explain everything I can't and the more I try to study the Bible the more I find that there is so much that is beyond us. [00:09:59]
When you are dealing with a difficult passage of scripture you must keep to the scripture. Don't let philosophy come in. Now people often do that and that's the cause of the argument very often. I could illustrate this very easily. There are some friends who believe in what's called conditional immortality and if you argue with them or read their books you'll find that what they keep on doing is this. [00:11:00]
Compare scripture with scripture. There is no contradiction in the scripture. There cannot be. It's God-breathed, it's God-inspired, it's God's word, it is infallible. Scripture does not contradict the scripture therefore we must always be doing that. We must compare scripture with scripture in any interpretation and make certain that any conclusion that we arrive at is not in contradiction to something which is taught elsewhere in the Scripture. [00:12:37]
Start with the great positive statements of the scripture. What our fathers, when I say fathers I'm not thinking of our own immediate fathers, I mean the Protestant fathers of the 16th century, the Puritans of the 17th century, and their followers in the 18th, what the fathers, the great Evangelical fathers have always called the proof texts. [00:13:19]
The rule of interpretation always is start with the certainties. I've often pointed out in this Pulpit that that's a very good principle in every realm and department and walk of life, particularly in the realm of Science. In science, you always proceed from the known to the unknown, that is if you want to arrive at any Discovery you'll always do that. [00:14:33]
Deal with the difficult statements or the doubtful statements of the ones that don't seem to be quite clear to you in the light of those first great statements. Now you see we are following on in a logical sequence. You start with scripture only, keep out your philosophy and everything else, scripture only, compare scripture with scripture, then start with these foundational statements. [00:15:58]
There is nothing that is so dangerous and as a consequence there has been nothing in the long history of the church that has been so prolific in the production of heresies and error than the founding of a Doctrine or a body of Truth on an isolated text. I could illustrate that to you from church history with very great ease. [00:17:09]
Be careful always when you're dealing with a particular verse or a paragraph. Be careful always to pay great attention to details. Be careful to observe exactly what is being said. Be very careful to consider the context. Now this sounds quite Elementary doesn't it but again so often difficulties have Arisen because people refuse to do just that. [00:18:48]
If you really listen to what our Lord is saying there it surely will solve your problem for you. Take that phrase which he uses there in verse 21. He's talking about those that received the seed into Stony places, that's the first difficulty, but our Lord says of them yet have he no root in himself, there's no root there which means there's no real life there. [00:27:49]
These people did not truly believe in him. They give this kind of intellectual Ascent, they seem to believe in him but he knew that they hadn't believed in him and that is why he did not commit himself unto them. Now you see the Evangelist uses this expression that they believed in him. [00:30:18]
The phrase is borrowed from Deuteronomy 32:6. This is the way you see to handle your scriptures. The phrase is borrowed from Deuteronomy 32:6 and this is Deuteronomy 32:6: Do ye thus requite the Lord, oh foolish people and unwise, is not he thy father that hath bought thee? Oh, that's God addressing you see the children of Israel. [00:55:02]
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