Run to Win the Prize: Perseverance in the New Testament
Overview
Scripture’s commands to persevere, and warnings of the consequences if we fail, have been met with apathy by some, and led others to doubt the state of their salvation. The fearful and eternal nature of these issues warrants careful examination of what the Bible says about perseverance. Thomas Schreiner once again tackles this difficult topic in Run to Win the Prize. Clarifying misunderstandings stemming from his more detailed treatment in The Race Set Before Us, Schreiner draws together an illuminating overview of biblical teaching on the doctrine of perseverance. Schreiner details how God directs the collective warnings and exhortations of Scripture toward believers as a means of preservation. We are to think of the call to persevere in light of the initial call to faith, both agents by which God leads us to final salvation. Those looking for a general treatment of the doctrine of perseverance will profit from the challenges and assurances in Run to Win the Prize.
Top Highlights
“Luke includes in his account. Recent Christians are not told that they will inherit the kingdom no matter what they do. Rather, they are urged to remain and continue in the faith.” (Page 18)
“It is correct, however, to say that obedience is necessary for salvation as the fruit or evidence of faith” (Page 72)
“What I hope is clear is that new believers were regularly instructed after their conversion about the need to persevere in the faith.” (Page 19)
“Paul did not assume that the Thessalonians were truly believers merely because they had embraced the faith when he first preached to them. The authenticity of their faith manifested itself in their response to trials, so that their persistence in faith demonstrated that their faith was genuine.” (Page 19)
“The purpose of warnings in the NT is redemptive and salvific. The Lord uses them as means so that believers will escape death.” (Page 48)
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Sarah
7/12/2023
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3/9/2023
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10/20/2022