What is the perseverance of the saints?
The perseverance of the saints is the doctrine that those whom God has truly saved will be kept by his power and will persevere in faith to the end. Christians do not finally lose their salvation; God preserves them.
"I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).
It is not a license for sin. The Bible warns those who fall away that their faith was never real (1 John 2:19). True saints persevere because God preserves them — but the proof is a life that continues in faith and obedience.
This is pure comfort. My security does not depend on the strength of my grip on God but on the strength of his grip on me. He will not let one of his sheep be snatched from his hand.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.