The Perseverance of the Saints - Rejection of the Errors I

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Rejection of the Errors: Concerning the Teaching of the Perseverance of the Saints Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those 

I. Who teach that the perseverance of true believers is not an effect of election or a gift of God produced by Christ’s death, but a condition of the new covenant which man, before what they call his “peremptory” election and justification, must fulfill by his free will. 

For Holy Scripture testifies that perseverance follows from election and is granted to the chosen by virtue of Christ’s death, resurrection, and intercession: The chosen obtained it; the others were hardened (Rom. 11:7); likewise, He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not, along with him, grant us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? It is Christ Jesus who died–more than that, who was raised–who also sits at the right hand of God, and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? (Rom. 8:32-35).

The meek will he teach his way

Daily Light Devotions - October 7 - Morning

The meek will he teach his way.

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 1 

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 2 

Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. 3

The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. 4 

A Song of Ascents. To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us. 5 

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. 6 

O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." 7 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 8 

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 9

______________ 

1. Psa 25:9; 

2. Matt 5:5; 

3. Eccl 9:11; 

4. Prov 16:9; 

5. Psa 123:1,2; 

6. Psa 143:8; 

7. 2 Chron 20:12; 

8. James 1:5; 

9. John 16:13

Your errand to this life is to make sure an eternity of glory to your soul and to match your soul with Christ

"Lay no more on the creatures than they are able to carry. Lay your soul and your weights upon God: make him your only, only best Beloved - your errand to this life is to make sure an eternity of glory to your soul and to match your soul with Christ: your love, if it were more than all the love of angels in one, is Christ's due ... I know not what ye have if ye want Christ." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 41. [Letter CXCI, 1637]

What is the thing that the LORD hath said ...?

Daily Light Devotions - October 6 - Evening

What is the thing that the LORD hath said ...?

And Eli said, "What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also if you hide anything from me of all that he told you." 1 

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? 2 

and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? 3 

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith." Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 4 

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 5 

Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 6 

______________ 

1. 1 Sam 3:17; 

2. Micah 6:8; 

3. Deut 10:13; 

4. Gal 3:10,11,19; 

5. Heb 1:1,2; 

6. 1 Sam 3:9

Contrasting Reactions to the Teaching of Perseverance

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Article 15: Contrasting Reactions to the Teaching of Perseverance

This teaching about the perseverance of true believers and saints, and about their assurance of it–a teaching which God has very richly revealed in his Word for the glory of his name and for the comfort of the godly and which he impresses on the hearts of believers–is something which the flesh does not understand, Satan hates, the world ridicules, the ignorant and the hypocrites abuse, and the spirits of error attack. The bride of Christ, on the other hand, has always loved this teaching very tenderly and defended it steadfastly as a priceless treasure; and God, against whom no plan can avail and no strength can prevail, will ensure that she will continue to do this. To this God alone, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever. Amen.

The Lord God omnipotent reigneth

Daily Light Devotions - October 6 - Morning

The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 1 

"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 2 

But he said, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." 3 

all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?" 4 

Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?" 5

And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." 6 

When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." 7 

And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 8 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 9 

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 10 

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 11 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. 12 

______________ 

1. Rev 19:6; 

2. Job 42:2; 

3. Luke 18:27; 

4. Dan 4:35; 

5. Isa 43:13; 

6. Mark 14:36; 

7. Matt 9:28,29; 

8. Matt 8:2,3; 

9. Isa 9:6; 

10. Matt 28:18; 

11. Psa 20:7; 

12. 2 Chron 32:7

O happy soul for evermore, who can rightly compare this life with that long-lasting life to come

"How soon will some few years pass away, and then when the day is ended, and this life's lease expired, what have men of the world's glory, but dreams and thoughts? ... O happy soul for evermore, who can rightly compare this life with that long-lasting life to come, and can balance the weighty glory of the one with the light golden vanity of the other." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 40. [Letter CXCII, 1637]

He that shall come will come, and will not tarry

Daily Light Devotions - October 5 - Evening

He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 1 

And the LORD answered me: "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end-- it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. 2 

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 3 

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. 4 

We have become like those over whom you have never ruled, like those who are not called by your name. Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence-- From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. 5 

______________ 

1. Heb 10:37; 

2. Hab 2:2,3; 

3. 2 Pet 3:8,9; 

4. Psa 86:15; 

5. Isa 64:1,4

God’s Use of Means in Perseverance

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Article 14: God’s Use of Means in Perseverance

And, just as it has pleased God to begin this work of grace in us by the proclamation of the gospel, so he preserves, continues, and completes his work by the hearing and reading of the gospel, by meditation on it, by its exhortations, threats, and promises, and also by the use of the sacraments.

Call upon me in the day of trouble

Daily Light Devotions - October 5 - Morning

Call upon me in the day of trouble ...

and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." 1 

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. 2 

O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear 3 

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. 4 

So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone." 5 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 6 

I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!" 7 

______________ 

1. Psa 50:15; 

2. Psa 42:11; 

3. Psa 10:17; 

4. Psa 86:5; 

5. Gen 35:2,3; 

6. Psa 103:2; 

7. Psa 116:1-4

Sitting loose and unsure in the matters of salvation

"Let not salvation be your by-work, or your holiday's task only, or a work by the way: for men think, that this may be done in three days' space on a feather-bed, when death and they are fallen in hands together, and that with a word or two they shall make their soul matters right. Alas, this is to sit loose and unsure in the matters of our salvation." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 40. [Letter CXCII, 1637]

There are diversities of operations

Daily Light Devotions - October 4 - Evening

There are diversities of operations ...

and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 

Some of the men of Manasseh deserted to David when he came with the Philistines for the battle against Saul. (Yet he did not help them, for the rulers of the Philistines took counsel and sent him away, saying, "At peril to our heads he will desert to his master Saul.") They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were commanders in the army. 2 

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 3 

Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command. 4 

For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 5 

Of Zebulun 50,000 seasoned troops, equipped for battle with all the weapons of war, to help David with singleness of purpose. 6 

he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 7 

that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 8 

one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 9 

______________ 

1. 1 Cor 12:6; 

2. 1 Chron 12:19,21; 

3. 1 Cor 12:7; 

4. 1 Chron 12:32; 

5. 1 Cor 12:8; 

6. 1 Chron 12:33; 

7. James 1:8; 

8. 1 Cor 12:25,26; 

9. Eph 4:5