Dict: easton - Perseverance of the saints

Perseverance of the saints @ their certain continuance in a state of grace. Once justified and regenerated, the believer can neither totally nor finally fall away from grace, but will certainly persevere therein and attain everlasting life. This doctrine is clearly taught in these passages, kjv@John:10:28-29; kjv@Romans:11:29; kjv@Philippians:1:6; kjv@1Peter:1:5. It, moreover, follows from a consideration of

(1) the immutability of the divine decrees kjv@Jeremiah:31:3; kjv@Matthew:24:22-24; kjv@Acts:13:48; kjv@Romans:8:30);

(2) the provisions of the covenant of grace kjv@Jeremiah:32:40; kjv@John:10:29 kjv@John:17:2-6);

(3) the atonement and intercession of Christ kjv@Isaiah:53:6 kjv@Isaiah:53:11 kjv@Matthew:20:28; kjv@1Peter:2:24; kjv@John:11:42 kjv@John:17:11 kjv@John:17:15, 20; kjv@Romans:8:34); and

(4) the indwelling of the Holy Ghost kjv@John:14:16; kjv@2Corinthians:1:21-22 kjv@2Corinthians:5:5; kjv@Ephesians:1:14; kjv@1John:3:9). This doctrine is not inconsistent with the truth that the believer may nevertheless fall into grievous sin, and continue therein for some time. (
See BACKSLIDE.)