The Canons of Dort: Perseverance of the Saints With R. Scott Clark

About The Guest(s): Dr. R. Scott Clark is a pastor, theologian, and professor of church history and historical theology at Westminster Seminary California. He is the president of the Heidelberg Reformation Association and the author of several books on Reformed theology. Summary: Dr. R. Scott Clark joins the Renewal Cast podcast to discuss the fifth main point of doctrine in the Canons of Dort, which is Perseverance of the Saints. He explains that this doctrine is not the same as "once saved, always saved" and emphasizes that it is a pastoral response to the struggles and doubts that believers face in their Christian walk. The discussion covers topics such as the believer's ongoing struggle with sin, the relationship between perseverance and assurance, and the means that God uses to preserve and strengthen His people. Key Takeaways:

• Perseverance of the Saints means that those whom God has loved from all eternity will never fall away.
• Believers may struggle with sin and even fall into serious sins, but God will never let them go.
• Assurance of salvation is not a second blessing, but a part of the Christian's experience that is grounded in the promises of God.
• The means of grace, such as the preaching of the Word and the sacraments, are instrumental in the believer's perseverance and growth in faith.

Quotes:

• "Jesus will never turn loose of you. Jesus' death is more serious than your serious sins." - Dr. R. Scott Clark
• "The Christian life is a penitent life, lived by penitent sinners in the grace of God." - Dr. R. Scott Clark
• "Assurance is the root of humility, respect, godliness, endurance, and joy in God." - Dr. R. Scott Clark