One simple passage that shows the error of the Calvinistic doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints, and speaks to the need for continued diligence is Philippians 3:12. “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.”
Of any Christian in the first century who had the right (if it existed) to state he was guaranteed a place in heaven for what had already been done, it was Paul. He was both saved by the Grace of God, and amply demonstrated his faith in the “finished work of Jesus Christ.” However, he did not conduct himself as one whose fate was guaranteed, but as one who had to “remain faithful until death” (cf. Revelation 2:10).
Notice the next two verses, (13-14), “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
We, like Paul, must live our lives with the same point of view. “Not that I have already attained”… “I do not count myself to have apprehended.” We must “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
We wouldn’t want to miss out on the crown that God has promised to the faithful! (cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8).
