Our Secure Salvation: Preservation and Apostasy

Explorations in Biblical Theology

by Robert A. Peterson

Can believers lose their faith? Robert Peterson addresses an age-old question crucial to an insecure modern world. Tracing preservation and apostasy throughout the Bible, he illustrates how God saves and keeps his people, giving them confidence to live for his glory.

The Explorations in Biblical Theology series addresses the need for quality literature that attracts believing readers to good theology -- and builds them up in their faith. Each title in the series combines satisfying content with the accessibility and readability of a popular book. The result is a valuable addition to the library of any college senior, seminarian, pastor -- indeed anyone concerned to know what the Bible really says.

Genres: Theology

239 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Matthew Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Secure Salvation is an excellent introduction to the biblical doctrines of preservation/perseverance of the saints and apostasy. After a heartfelt introduction on the importance of the topic, Peterson sets up the Old Testament background for these two doctrines and then examines in depth 18 New Testament passages on preservation and 24 on apostasy. He includes passages from every part of the New Testament—from Jesus's prayer for Peter before Peter denied him (Luke 22:31–34) to Paul's famous teaching on preservation in Romans 8 to the assurances and warnings in Hebrews and Revelation.

From the start, Our Secure Salvation reveals the beauty and practicality of the doctrine of God's preservation of those who truly believe in Him. Far from the dry, academic tone that is unfortunately often associated with Reformed doctrine, Peterson writes with both joy and humility. I was struck by the way he laces his writing with Scripture in a way that doesn't just back up his points but compels us to rejoice in the Word of God.

Do not skip the introduction! In my opinion, it was the best chapter of the book. In it, Peterson relates real-life ministry stories that are practical and touching enough to convince any reader of the need to study this important biblical topic.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading others in the series, my one critique is that in the chapters on apostasy the author focuses so much on why the apostasy passages do not contradict the doctrine of preservation that there is almost no practical application to believers based on these passages. More than an explanation of how these two doctrines can coexist, we should want to understand WHY Scripture contains so many warnings against apostasy. Peterson does get around to answering this in the concluding chapter, but I felt that an opportunity was lost to apply the apostasy passages in a more meaningful way in the chapters that focused on apostasy.

Additionally, I felt that Peterson's conclusion that the purpose of the apostasy passages is primarily to reveal the difference between true and false believers fell short of an adequate explanation. In particular, from the urgent tone of the Bible's warnings against apostasy, it seems clear that these warnings are one of the means God uses to preserve true believers—by bringing us to the precipice of where rejection of Christ would take us and revealing its perils. This angle was almost completely lacking in the chapters on apostasy.

Overall, this is a book I would recommend for any Christian discouraged by spiritual struggles or doubt. It will reveal to you the power and faithfulness of God to complete the good work that He began in you and will encourage you to finish the race you have started since "it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil 2:13).

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can Christians lose their salvation? To answer that question, Peterson gives special attention to the various warning passages found throughout Scripture. Do these warnings suggest that genuine believers can fall away from salvation, or is there perhaps a more internally consistent way to understand these passages in light of the rest of God’s Word? Though dealing with potentially potent topics, Peterson writes helpfully and coherently, constructing a solid case for genuine believers’ secure salvation in Christ.

[David Saxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peterson's handling of the subject is thoroughly exegetical. He marshals and handles the texts with simplicity, clarity, and accuracy. Anyone struggling with the apostasy texts of the NT will find this volume extremely helpful.