It is crucial to understand what the biblical doctrine of perseverance does not mean. It does not mean that people who "accept Christ" can then live any way they please without fear of hell. The expression "eternal security" issometimes used in this sense, as is "once saved, always saved." R. T. Kendall, arguing for the latter phrase, defines its meaning thus:
Whoever once truly believes that Jesus was raised from the dead, and confesses that Jesus is Lord, will go to heaven when he dies. But I will not stop there. Such a person will go to heaven when he dies no matter what work (or lack of work) may accompany such faith. (Once Saved, Always Saved, p. 19)
Kendall also writes, "I hope no one will take this as an attack on the Westminster Confession. It is not that" (p. 22).
Those who teach that repentance is extraneous to saving faith are forced to make a firm but unbiblical distinction between salvation and discipleship. This dichotomy, like that of the carnal/spiritual Christian, sets up two classes of Christians:...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
As Christians we oppose rationalism (the idea that human reason alone - apart from any supernatural revelation- can discover truth). But Christianity is by no means hostile to rationality. We believe the truth is logical; it is coherent; it is...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
