Paul Washer is one of a handful of preachers who preaches like the lives of his hearers depends upon it. In this brief audio/video he explains the difference between the doctrine of  perseverance of the saints and the doctrine of assurance — two teachings that he argues have wrongfully become combined and consequently lost.

This is the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints: “When God has truly saved an individual, the same power of God that saved that individual keeps that individual to the end — keeps the individual from falling.”   The doctrine of assurance however, addresses another question: “How do you know you have believed? How can you be sure that you have truly believed unto salvation?”

Listen as he explains, and let us examine our own souls in light of God’s Word and the grace of God that is in Christ for sinners.

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 2:5)

PS Please forgive me for not visiting many of your blogs.  I so cherish everything you all share.  I’ve taken some time off of work this week to study and catch up.  Lord willing, I will carve out some time to visit your place soon!