S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The Bible has a lot to say about perseverance in several different contexts. Clearly, the Scriptures teach that those who "overcome" and persevere in the faith will inherit eternal life (Revelation...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

I would just like to touch on the perseverance of the saints which Michael mentioned in his answer. 

This doctrine is clearly taught in these passages, John 10:28-29 --28: "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Fathers hand."; Rom. 11:29; Phil. 1:6: "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."; and 1 Peter 1:5, a verse Michael so masterfully unpacked, without mentioning the reference (NLV): "You are being kept by the power of God because you put your trust in Him and you will be saved from the punishment of sin at the end of the world." 
--[EBD] EBD stands for Easton's Bible Dictionary.

"Perseverance of the saints is the biblical doctrine that God infallibly preserves in faith all of those he has given to the Son (John 6:37, 39, 44, 63-65) so that they are never lost. It maintains that none who are truly redeemed by Christ can be condemned for their sins or finally fall away from the faith." --https://www.monergism.com/topics/perseverance-saints/perseverance-saints

February 19 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does the Bible say about perseverance?

Perseverance in the Bible is defined as steadfast endurance through trials, grounded in faith, hope, and reliance on God's strength rather than one's own. Scripture portrays it as a process that transforms suffering into character and hope, rewarding those who endure with the "crown of life".

Aspects of Biblical Perseverance:

Purpose in Suffering: Trials are not meaningless; they produce endurance, which builds character and hope (Romans 5:3-4).

The Reward of Endurance: James 1:12 promises that those who stand the test of trials will receive the "crown of life".

Active Endurance: It is not passive resignation but an active "pressing on" and continuing to do good, even when tired (Galatians 6:9).

Strength from God: Believers are told they can do all things through Christ, who strengthens them, enabling them to handle both abundance and need (Philippians 4:13).

Focus on the Goal: Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages running the race with perseverance by keeping eyes fixed on Jesus, the ultimate example.

Examples and Verses:

Job: Remained faithful through extreme loss and adversity.

Joseph: Maintained integrity and faith in God's plan during years of hardship.

Jesus: Showed ultimate perseverance by enduring the cross for the joy set before him.

Isaiah 40:31: "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles..."

Matthew 24:13: "But the one who endures to the end will be saved".

A core biblical theme is that perseverance is a middle step in a transformative process. According to Romans 5:3-4, suffering leads to endurance, which builds character and eventually leads to hope. Similarly, James 1:2-4 teaches that the testing of faith produces perseverance, which "finishes its work" by making a believer "mature and complete."

Scriptural Instructions:

Run the Race: Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to "run with endurance the race set before us," laying aside sin and keeping eyes fixed on Jesus as the ultimate model of perseverance.

Don't Grow Weary: Galatians 6:9 urges people not to grow weary in doing good, promising a "harvest" if they do not give up.

Stand Firm: In 1 Corinthians 16:13, the Bible commands believers to be watchful, stand firm in faith, and be courageous and strong.

Persist in Prayer: The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) illustrates that believers should "always pray and not lose heart"

What Is Perseverance?

To persevere means to 'hold firmly and steadily to some purpose, state, or undertaking despite obstacles or setbacks.' It implies continuing resolutely in the face of adversity, being tenacious, not giving up. The Bible highlights the importance of this quality. For instance, God's Word admonishes us: "Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom," "keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you," "persevere in prayer," and "hold fast to what is fine."​—Matthew 6:33; Luke 11:9; Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

An important part of perseverance is coping with the inevitable setbacks. Proverbs 24:16 states: "For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again." So, rather than 'folding up' when encountering difficulty or failure, the persevering individual 'gets up,' 'keeps on,' and tries again.

The first step to persevering in a chosen course is to set worthwhile, attainable goals. The apostle Paul certainly understood this. Read 1 Corinthians 9:24, 26.

Having identified your goals, the next step is to analyse how to achieve them. Jesus asked: "Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense?" (Luke 14:28). Having a clear understanding of all the necessary steps we need to take to achieve what we want will help keep us focused.

Conclusion:

Be assured that you will find success if you persevere in learning about God and his will and are persistent in applying what you learn.​—Read Psalm 1:1-3.

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report