Theology Terms: Explained “Perseverance of the Saints”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced.
The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
The Term
“Perseverance of the Saints”
per·se·ver·ance of the saints | \ ˌpər-sə-ˈvir-ən(t)s
The Definition
Merriam-Webster (Adapted): Perseverance – continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.
FTG’s Expanded Explanation:
Perseverance of the saints is the biblical doctrine that those whom God has truly saved by grace through faith in Christ will be kept by His power and will continue in faith until the end. It doesn’t mean believers never stumble or sin, but it means God finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6).
True Christians may experience seasons of doubt, weakness, or even serious sin—but they do not finally fall away. Why? Because God preserves them. Perseverance is less about our grip on God and more about His grip on us (John 10:28–29).
This doctrine comforts believers: our salvation rests not on our strength but on God’s faithfulness. The fruit of perseverance is a life that, over time, keeps returning to Christ and growing in holiness.
The Biblical Connection
John 10:28–29 – “And I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father… is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
Philippians 1:6 – “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:30 – “And these whom He predestined, He also called… justified… glorified.”
1 Peter 1:5 – “…who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Hebrews 12:2 – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.”
Scripture consistently shows that salvation is God’s work from start to finish. The same grace that saves us also sustains us, ensuring we endure in faith until we see Christ face to face.
Used in Everyday Conversation
“I sometimes worry I’ll mess up so badly that I’ll lose my salvation, but then I remember—it’s God who holds me, not the other way around.”
“Perseverance of the saints isn’t about never struggling. It’s about God keeping us in the faith, even through our struggles.”
“If you could lose your salvation, you would. Thankfully, God is author of salvation and also the singer of it. He is the one who ensures the perseverance of every single Christian.”
