Perseverance of the Saints in Martyrs' Salvation
The "perseverance of the saints" is a theological doctrine asserting that those whom God has truly justified and regenerated will continue in a state of grace and ultimately attain eternal life [1]. This concept is often linked to passages such as John 10:28-29, Romans 11:29, Philippians 1:6, and 1 Peter 1:5 [1]. The doctrine suggests that a believer cannot totally or finally fall away from grace [1].
The concept of perseverance is understood as an evidence of reconciliation with God and belonging to Christ, as seen in Colossians 1:21-23 and Hebrews 3:6, 14 [4]. It is characterized by seeking God, waiting upon God, persistent prayer, and continuing in faith and well-doing [4]. This perseverance is maintained through the power of God and Christ, and Christ's intercession [4].
In the context of martyrdom, the perseverance of the saints takes on a specific meaning. The book of Revelation speaks of the "patient endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith in Jesus" [2, 3]. John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, interprets this patience as that which has been exercised while waiting for the destruction of antichrist, and which will now have its "perfect work" [9]. Martyrs are those who endure death for the word of God and the testimony of Christ [6]. Saints are forewarned of martyrdom and are encouraged not to fear it, but to be prepared and to resist sin even to the point of death [6]. The constancy and patience of martyrs, and their love for the Lord, were admired in early Christian writings [8].
The reward for such perseverance, particularly in martyrdom, is described as being with Christ, beholding the face of God and the glory of Christ, and being glorified with Christ [7]. This reward is considered to be from God, of grace through faith alone, and not on account of human merits [7]. The suffering of saints, including martyrdom, is seen as a persecution of Christ himself [5].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: 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, John 10:28, 29; Rom. 11:29; Phil. 1:6; 1 Pet. 1:5. It, moreover, follows from a consideration of (1) the immutability of the divine decrees (Jer. 31:3; Matt. 24:22-24; Acts 13:48; Rom. 8:30); (2) the provisions of the covenant of grace (Jer. 32:40; John 10:29; 17:2-6); (3) the ato”
- Revelation of John “Revelation of John 14:12 (LEB) — Here is the patient endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith in Jesus.”
- Revelation “Revelation 14:12 (NASB) — Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Perseverance — An evidence of reconciliation with God -- Col 1:21-23. An evidence of belonging to Christ -- Joh 8:31; Heb 3:6,14. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 4:18. To be manifested in Seeking God. -- 1Ch 16:11. Waiting upon god. -- Ho 12:6. Prayer. -- Ro 12:12; Eph 6:18. Well-doing. -- Ro 2:7; 2Th 3:13. Continuing in the faith. -- Ac 14:22; Col 1:23; 2Ti 4:7. Holding fast hope. -- Heb 3:6. Maintained through The power of God. -- Ps 37:24; Php 1:6. The power of Christ. -- Joh 10:28. The intercession of Christ. -- Lu 22:31,32; Joh 17:11. The fear of God. -- Jer 32”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Persecution — Christ suffered -- Ps 69:26; Joh 5:16. Christ voluntarily submitted to -- Isa 50:6. Christ was patient under -- Isa 53:7. Saints may expect -- Mr 10:30; Lu 21:12; Joh 15:20. Saints suffer, for the sake of God -- Jer 15:15. Of saints, is a persecution of Christ -- Zec 2:8; Ac 9:4,5. All that live godly in Christ, shall suffer -- 2Ti 3:12. Originates Ignorance of God and Christ. -- Joh 16:3. Hated to God and Christ. -- Joh 15:20,24. Hatred to the gospel. -- Mt 13:21. Pride. -- Ps 10:2. Mistaken zeal. -- Ac 13:50; 26:9-11. Is inconsistent with the spirit o”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Martyrdom — Is death endured for the word of God, and testimony of Christ -- Re 6:9; 20:4. Saints Forewarned of. -- Mt 10:21; 24:9; Joh 16:2. Should not fear. -- Mt 10:28; Re 2:10. Should be prepared for. -- Mt 16:24,25; Ac 21:13. Should resist sin to. -- Heb 12:4. Reward of -- Re 2:10; 6:11. Inflicted at the instigation of the devil -- Re 2:10,13. The Apostasy guilty of inflicting -- Re 17:6; 18:24. Of saints, shall be avenged -- Lu 11:50,51; Re 18:20-24. Exemplified Abel. -- Ge 4:8; 1Jo 3:12. Ahimelech and his fellow priests. -- 1Sa 22:18,19. Prophets and Saints of”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Reward of Saints, The — Is from God -- Ro 2:7; Col 3:24; Heb 11:6. Is of grace, through faith alone -- Ro 4:4,5,16; 11:6. Is of God's good pleasure -- Mt 20:14,15; Lu 12:32. Prepared by God -- Heb 11:16. Prepared by Christ -- Joh 14:2. As servants of Christ -- Col 3:24. Not on account of their merits -- Ro 4:4,5. Described as Being with Christ. -- Joh 12:26; 14:3; Php 1:23; 1Th 4:17. Beholding the face of God. -- Ps 17:15; Mt 5:8; Re 22:4. Beholding the glory of Christ. -- Joh 17:24. Being glorified with Christ. -- Ro 8:17,18; Col 3:4; Php 3:21; 1Jo 3:2. Sitting in j”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 1: Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas, Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus — CHAP. II.--THE WONDERFUL CONSTANCY OF THE MARTYRS.: All the martyrdoms, then, were blessed and noble which took place according to the will of God. For it becomes us who profess(3) greater piety than others, to ascribe the authority over all things to God. And truly,(4) who can fail to admire their nobleness of mind, and their patience, with that love towards their Lord which they displayed?--who, when they were so torn with scourges, that the frame of their bodies, even to the very inward veins and arteries, w”
- Revelation (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Revelation 14:12: Here is the patience of the saints,.... That which has required their patience, and about which it has been exercised, what they have been patiently waiting for, namely, the destruction of antichrist; and now it will be come, and patience will have its perfect work; see Rev 13:10 here are they that keep the commandments of God; and not the inventions of men, and the traditions of antichrist, but the ordinances of the Gospel, as they were at first delivered, without any adulteration and corruption; and who kept them because they were enjoined by God, and from a p”