Total Depravity and Perseverance of the Saints

Welcome to Made New, I am [Name, Title, Church], I am [Name, Title, Church] and I am [Name, Title, Church]. We are three local pastors striving to teach you theology and help you apply it to your life. In this episode, we are going to discuss the T and P of the T.U.L.I.P. acronym. First, we will look at total depravity. Then we will look at Perseverance of the Saints. Our reason for doing these two first and together is that they are the least controversial of the five points. Even the Baptist Faith and Message of 2000 teaches these two doctrines. However, Perseverance of the Saints is often misunderstood and used as licensefor sin. So, we are going to finish offthe episode applying these doctrines to a couple of different issues.

I. Total Depravity: 8 Minutes

The meaning: Total depravity does not mean that men are incapable of doing good, but instead it means that all that man does is affected by sin. The term is to be understood as ‘radical’ depravity. That is, man is morally depraved to his root – how he thinks and acts – has been marred by a sinful nature. He is incapable of rendering to God the glory due to him. In sum, total depravity does not mean that man is as bad as he could be, it does mean, however, he is incapable of living in such a way that brings glory to God.

The evidence: The Fall. Genesis 3. How did we become spiritually depraved? When we talk about the sin of our first parents and how all of Adam’s posterity are guilty, what most mean is that we inherit the consequence of Adam’s sin. This is what is meant by Original Sin. It doesn’t so much refer to the act as it does to the consequence. What is the consequence? Separation from God. A heart that is opposed to him. A corrupt nature.

When do we have this nature? At birth. David proclaims, “In sin my mother conceived me.” David is not referring to an immoral act on the part of his mother but is rather stating that the nature of sin is present even as earlier as birth. In other words, the reason why people sin is due to their nature. One does not become a sinner after the first act but is already condemned before God.

All of us are like those whom Ezekiel preached to in Ezekiel 37. We are dead spiritually; nothing more than a corpse.

Paul makes the same claim in Ephesians 2. There he says that we are dead in sin. We carry out the desires of our body and mind. We are by nature children of wrath.

A. A rejection of general revelation

Romans 1 states that mankind rejects what can be known about God through creation.

B. A rejection of spiritual revelation.

1 Corinthians 2:14.

The Cure: Going back to the Valley of Dry Bones; God breathes light into them. Going back to Ephesians 2, “But God who is rich in mercy.” Looking at 2 Corinthians 4. (God) “has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Our coming to life is a reflection of what God did at creation. In Genesis 1:1, he spoke light into the darkness. In the same way, he breathes life into our fallen condition and makes us alive in Christ Jesus. After a brief coffee and commercial break we will break down the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints.

II. Perseverance of the Saints: 8 Minutes

So, we’ve unpacked Total Depravity, let’s turn our attention to Perseverance of the Saints. What is it? And where does Scripture teach it?

Scripture: John 10:27, Philippians 1:6, (more can be added). Having defined total depravity and seeing that it is God who brings us from death to life gives much assurance to the believer that this work began by God will be completed by him.

Take the words of Jesus in John 10:27. “No one is able to snatch them from his hand.” Now, something marvelous is in this passage. Jesus identifies his hand with the Fathers hand. Namely, to be in the hands of Christ is to be in the Father’s hand. To be in the hands of the Father is to be in Christ. Previously, in the context, we see again that this is all initiated by the One who saves. As our Good Shepherd, Jesus calls those whom the Father has given him. And in Ephesians 1 we see that it is the Spirit who seals them to the Day of Redemption.

Though it is solely a work of God; it doesn’t mean that we may be lazy. The Bible offers the believer plenty of warnings about persevering. Hebrews offers many warnings (we can list those as we go). Paul issues warnings saying, “But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death……if you continue in your faith” (Colossians 1:22-23)

How do we know that we will continue? Because Philippians 2:13 says that it is God who works in you. Therefore, our working out our salvation is evidence of what God has worked in. We will persevere because God perseveres with us. While that process is being carried out through sanctification, we must watch our life and make sure that we are keeping the faith with a pure conscience. 1 John 3:3 states that those who have the hope of Christ’s appearing; who have the hope of being conformed into his image (the goal of our salvation; Phil. 3) purifies himself even as Jesus is also pure.

III. Applications: 15 Minutes

Total Depravity

1. Prayer.

2. Evangelism.

3. Discipleship of Children.

Perseverance of the Saints

1. Aids for Perseverance (Means of Grace and Spiritual Disciplines).

2. Once saved always saved,so I can do whatever I want, right?

V. Conclusion: 1 Minute

So, we all are born dead in Sin, but if we are made alive in Jesus Christ we will persevere until the end. While dead in sin we were unable to do anything pleasing to God. But if we are alive in Christ we can please God with our good works. If you are a Christian, you may be assured that you will forever be in Christ. You must be active in your faith and giving proof of the salvation you profess with good works. This comes about because of God’s work within you which serves as evidence that we truly belong to him. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, today, tomorrow, and always. Thank you for listening to this episode of the Made New Podcast. If you would, please share our content on social media, leave us a review on iTunes, and visit our website. Until next time, grace and peace.