Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more to the perfect day. is another benefit flowing from or accompanying justification. I. WHAT THIS PERSEVERANCE IS. To persevere is to continue and abide in a state into which one is brought. II. HOW IS THIS PERSEVERANCE TO BE UNDERSTOOD. 1. Not of all who profess Christ. 2. Of all real saints, those who are endowed with saving grace. Saints may lose the evidence of grace, so that they cannot discern it in themselves. They may lose the exercise of grace. They may lose much of the measure of grace they have had. III. THE SAINTS SHALL PERSEVERE TO THE END. IV. WHAT ARE THE THINGS WHICH MAKE HYPOCRITES FALL AWAY? 1. Satan's temptations. 2. The world's snares. 3. The corruptions and lusts of the heart. V. THE GROUNDS OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS. 1. The unchangeable decree of God's election flowing from the free and unchangeable love of the Father to them. 2. The merit and intercession of Christ the Son. 3. The perpetual abiding of the Spirit. 4. The nature of the covenant of grace. VI. THE MEANS OF PERSEVERANCE. 1. God's ordinances and providences. 2. The duties of religion, and exercise of the graces, faith, fear, watchfulness, etc.Then look well to the foundation of your religion, for sincerity will last, but hypocrisy is a disease in the vitals that will end in death. Let those whose care it is to be found in Christ be comforted amidst all their temptations, snares, and corruptions, in that God has begun the good work and will perfect it. (T. Boston, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. |
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