Scripture Reading: Revelation 14:9-20
In the middle of a biblical text about the dreadful wrath of God is a passage designed to be a great encouragement to Christians. Following a passage declaring the God's wrath "poured full strength into the cup of his anger" (Rev 14:10), we read about the "perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus" (Rev 14:12, LSB).
The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is the idea that, having been changed at the deepest level of one's being by the Spirit of God, Christians "can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved" (Westminster Confession of Faith, XVII:1).
Perseverance in the Christian faith is both a wondrous encouragement and a sober test. We are able to hold fast to our faith, and will hold it fast, because we have become reconciled to God … and because of this reconciliation Christ will one day present us before God the Father as holy. This is ultimate security in Christ.
The sober test is this … perseverance in the faith is evidence that someone's faith is genuine. Those who have true faith continue in the faith. Those who do not continue in the faith only show they have never been reconciled to God in the first place.
