A Brief Book Summary from Books At a Glance
by Steve West
About the Author
Arthur W. Pink was the author of numerous books on biblical and theological issues. He was well-known for teaching and defending Calvinism.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Its Importance
- Its Nature
- Its Marvel
- Its Springs
- Its Blessedness
- Its Perversion
- Its Safeguards
- Its Opposition
- Its Benefits
- Conclusion
Summary
Chapter 1: Introduction
The perseverance of the saints is the capstone truth of Reformed soteriology. Arminians look at this doctrine as a disincentive to holiness, but it is actually a great spur to walking closely with the Lord. It gives great hope, encouragement, and strength. There is a great deal of erroneous and harmful teaching that glibly asserts “once saved always saved,” and with that position we have no sympathy. Where there is no fellowship with the Lord, and where there is no desire for righteousness and no hatred of sin, there is no salvation. Scripture teaches very clearly that we can know a believer by the fruit of their lives. God will give his children sustaining strength as they fight the good fight of faith, but they must fight. Christians are born through the new birth, and they submit themselves to the yoke of Christ. God’s righteous right hand upholds them, and they resist the temptations of the flesh. It is God who empowers them, but they use the means that he provides and they avoid what is ruinous.
Chapter 2: Its Importance
This doctrine of perseverance is a vital part of the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. To reject it is to diminish the honor of the triune God, as well as to forfeit the foundation of comfort and assurance. God loves his people and predestined them to be conformed to the image of his Son. Christ redeems them and intends to present them faultless before the throne. The Spirit regenerates them and leads them. The triune God will not fail in the design of salvation; they will not be defeated, disappointed, and disgraced. Scripture is filled with the promises that God will keep his saints from falling and being destroyed, and we see all through Scripture how God’s sovereign power is at work to bring good from evil and fulfill his word. Scripture does not present God as hoping to heal and save his people: it presents him as finishing and accomplishing the work of redemption. . . .
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