This doctrine—one of the central tenets of Calvinism—has to do with the question of whether it is possible for a Christian to fall so far into sin that she loses her salvation. While it is a question of significance for any Christian it has become particularly acute for Calvinists who are staunchly insistent on the other doctrine of double predestination, i.e., that God has predestined some to be saved and others to be damned. The argument is that if God has predestined a person to be saved, His will cannot fail. Therefore, a Christian who has been predestined to be save will always be kept from ultimately falling no matter what appearances may suggest. A Christian who falls so fatally as to deny Christ altogether can only be concluded never to have been predestined and elected in the first place.
The idea was first propounded by Augustine of Hippo, and later popularized by John Calvin. This doctrine is, however, opposed by the Arminians who, observing more room for a person's will and freedom in the Christian life, believe that a Christian can choose to disobey and one's falling away says nothing whatsoever about the election of God (something we have no way in this life on earth to know for certain at any rate). There is no doubt that the debate will continue and, often, in tones unkind. As you read, reflect, and perhaps join in the debate, I plea with you one thing: Don't be unkind and, esp., respect those who differ in opinion from you and avoid the attitude that they don't understand what is going on (though, of course, sometimes they don't).
Further Reading
I. Howard Marshall, Kept by the Power of God: A Study of Perseverance and Falling Away. London/Minneapolis, MN: Epworth Press/Bethany Fellowship, 1969/75. Though somewhat dated, this remains one of the best and balanced expositions on the subject (though you may wish to read this review (Open on Phone) of the book too).
M. Eaton, A Theology of Encouragement. Carlisle: Paternoster Press, 1995.
R. T. Kendall, Once Saved, Always Saved. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1984.
T. R. Schreiner & A. B. Caneday, The Race Set Before Us; A Biblical Theology of Perseverance & Assurance. Grand Rapids: IVP, 2001.
Resources:
Jan Henzel, "When Conversion is Joy and Death Victory: Historical Foundations of the Doctrine of Perseverance," Tyndale Bulletin 54.2 (2003): 123-148.
Pdf N 6-7 (Open on Phone)
Jan Henzel, "'And grace will lead me home.' Perseverance of believers as divine gift and human responsibility," European Journal of Theology 12.1 (2003):27-34.
Pdf N (Open on Phone)
Jan Henzel, "Perseverance within an Ordo Salutis," Tyndale Bulletin 60.1 (2009): 129-156.
Pdf N 6 (Open on Phone)
J. J. Davis, "The Perseverance of the Saints: A History of the Doctrine," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 34.2 (1991):213-228.
Pdf N 6-7 (Open on Phone)
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