Journal: Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal
Volume: DBSJ 29:1 (NA 2024)
Article: The Perseverance Of The Saints And Faithfulness In Ministry: A Biblical Theology Of Perseverance And Faithfulness
Author: R. Bruce Compton

DBSJ 29 (2024) p. 35

The Perseverance Of The Saints And Faithfulness In Ministry: A Biblical Theology Of Perseverance And Faithfulness

R. Bruce Compton1

On at least one occasion, the apostle Paul identifies faithfulness as the sole criterion for success in ministry and the basis on which his life will be evaluated at the judgment (bema) seat of Christ. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:1–4,

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.2

Paul makes two points in this passage that are important for this study. First, Paul is Christ’s servant and will be judged by Christ. Second, Paul’s judgment by Christ will be on the single basis of faithfulness.3

Elsewhere Paul conditions final salvation and accountability at the judgment seat of Christ on the perseverance of the saints. In Colossians 1:22–23a, Paul writes,

Yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel.

Again, Paul makes two points in this passage that are important for this study. First, the readers will stand before Christ when he comes. Second, the readers must persevere in the faith for that to be true.

This article examines the nature of perseverance and the connection between perseverance and faithfulness as the sole benchmark for success

DBSJ 29 (2024) p. 36

in ministry and accountability at the judgment seat of Christ. What is meant by perseverance is that a true believer, one who has been regenerated by God’s Spirit through the gospel, will continue in faith, that is, will continue to believe the gospel. Perseverance also means that a true believer will demonstrate some level of faithfulness to God’s word as evidenced in good works.4 In short, perseverance involves two propositions: (1) All true believers will persevere in faith; (2) all true believers will persevere in faithfulness...