Hey brother, yes, I emphasized one side of the equation more than the other to make the point I was trying to make in that post. I didn't include my complete understanding of perseverance/eternal security, I only hinted at, like this:
...true saints of God will persevere in their faith (albeit imperfectly)...
The qualifying phrase (in bold) was actually my own, cryptic reference to this far more complete thought on the matter from the
Westminster Confession of Faith (which I could have easily referenced in my last post but unfortunately failed to do):
Chapter XVII. Of the Perseverance of the Saints
Section I.–They whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved.
Section II.–This perseverance of the saints depends, not upon their own freewill, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father; upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ; the abiding of the Spirit and of the seed of God within them; and the nature of the covenant of grace; from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof.
Section III.–Nevertheless they may, through the temptations of Satan and of the world, the prevalence of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of the means of their perseverance, fall into grievous sins; and for a time continue therein: whereby they incur God's displeasure, and grieve his Holy Spirit; come to be deprived of some measure of their graces and comforts; have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded; hurt and scandalise others, and bring temporal judgments upon themselves.
I'm very sorry if what I said was upsetting to you (and I can understand from your POV why it probably was). I'll try my best to be a little clearer (and less cryptic) next time, but please don't hesitate to point these kind of mistakes out to me again whenever you see me making them (I truly appreciate the fact that you took the time to do so
).
God bless you! (
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
--David