Brushwood Press

Back

BRUSHFIRES | WEEK 7

A Discipleship Series from Brushwood Press | BrushwoodPress.com

Core Doctrine: Eternal Security – Perseverance of the Saints

​

Verse: Philippians 1:6 (CSB)

​

“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

​

Book Context:

Paul wrote Philippians around A.D. 61 while imprisoned in Rome. Despite his circumstances, the letter overflows with joy, gratitude, and confidence in God’s ongoing work. Written to the church in Philippi—a faithful and generous community—Paul begins the letter with an encouraging assurance: that the God who began their transformation through the gospel would not stop until it was complete. This verse grounds our hope not in ourselves, but in the unfailing faithfulness of the One who saves.

​

Core Doctrine:

​

The doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints—also known as Eternal Security—teaches that those whom God has truly regenerated will never be lost. Their salvation is not maintained by human effort but preserved by divine power. Philippians 1:6 is one of the clearest expressions of this truth in all of Scripture.

​

Paul doesn’t say, “I hope God finishes what He started in you.” He says, “I am sure of this.” The security of the believer rests not in their ability to stay faithful, but in God’s unwavering commitment to His own work. What God begins, He completes.

This doctrine is not permission for complacency—it’s fuel for perseverance. True believers still struggle, wander, and fall short—but they don’t fall away. God’s grip is stronger than our weakness, and His grace is relentless in its pursuit of completion.

​

Danger of Not Holding to the Core Doctrine – Week 7: Eternal Security – Perseverance of the Saints

If we believe that a true believer can lose their salvation, we place the endurance of our faith in our own hands instead of God’s. This may sound like humility or responsibility, but it quietly makes us the authors and finishers of our own story. And that burden crushes even the most sincere follower of Christ.

We don’t always reject this doctrine out of rebellion. Often, it’s because we’ve seen people walk away. We’ve been wounded by stories of hypocrisy, failure, or apathy—and we don’t want to give false assurance. But in trying to protect the seriousness of discipleship, we risk undermining the power of God to keep His people to the end.

When we reject eternal security, we may still preach the gospel, but it becomes fragile. Assurance becomes dangerous. Holiness becomes a desperate effort to remain loved. And salvation becomes a tightrope rather than a finished path.

Scripture doesn’t promise that Christians won’t fall—but it does promise they won’t fall away (Philippians 1:6, John 10:28, 1 Peter 1:5). The perseverance of the saints is not about the strength of our grip on God, but the strength of His grip on us.

This doctrine is not an excuse for laziness—it is fuel for endurance. Because we are secure, we fight sin. Because He holds us fast, we press on. Because His love cannot fail, we get back up when we fall.

To deny this truth is to turn the Christian life into a performance. But to embrace it is to rest in the faithfulness of the One who began the work—and who will surely complete it.

​

Conversational Evangelism:

​

Many people think salvation is a temporary state—something they can gain one day and lose the next. That kind of fear creates anxiety, not worship. A great way to engage someone is by asking, “What do you think it takes to stay saved?” Their answer reveals whether they’re trusting in grace or performance.

Philippians 1:6 frees us from the lie that we must keep ourselves in God’s favor. The gospel isn’t just about being saved—it’s about being kept. When you explain this, you invite others into a relationship where security doesn’t come from trying harder but from trusting deeper.

​

Call to Action:

​

This week, rest in the truth that your salvation is secure—not because you’re strong, but because your Savior is. Look back and remember how far He’s brought you. Then look forward with confidence: He will not stop until His work in you is finished.

And as you engage others, don’t offer a fragile gospel. Offer them the full assurance of a God who does not let go. That kind of grace doesn’t create laziness—it creates lasting, joyful obedience.

​

Fire Starter Question:

​

What’s one moment in your walk with Christ where you almost gave up—but God wouldn’t let you go—and how can your story bring hope to someone struggling right now?

Want to Print or Share This Lesson?

The full content of this week’s Brushfires lesson is available right here on the page. But if you’d like to print a copy or share it with someone, you can download the PDF by clicking the button to the right.

Prefer to listen? We’ve also provided an audio version of the lesson bellow—just click the link to listen anytime.