Kept by the Power of God: A Study of Perseverance and Falling Away
Overview
This is a very controversial subject which disturbs many people. If you do get disturbed it will be because of the emotion usually surrounding the subject of “eternal security.” If you get upset it will NOT be caused by the manner in which Dr. Marshall has presented the subject. It is the contention of the author that there is biblical truth in both the Calvinistic and the Arminian position concerning this volatile subject, and that each camp should candidly recognize the value of the other’s positions. John Wesley once wrote, “The truth of the Gospel is within a hairsbreadth of Calvinism.” Quite a concession for the chief spokesman of Arminianism! Dr. I. Howard Marshall echoes the contention of Wesley, and then goes even beyond it. “The full Arminian position is as much open to error as is extreme Calvinism. My aim is to reach beyond the Calvinist-Arminian controversy to a position which is biblical.
Top Highlights
“Hence we conclude that discipleship is a way of life which is expressed in ready obedience to the will of God as expounded in the teaching of Jesus. It is a continuing life in which disciples seek to live on earth the life of heaven. Perseverance in this life is the way of entry into the future kingdom.” (Page 61)
“The Old Testament thus knows the possibility and the fact of individual apostasy from which there is no return, but at the same time it emphasizes the great mercy of God in forgiving His people when they repent of their sins.” (Page 38)
“In all these cases repentance and a contrite heart are the inevitable presuppositions for forgiveness.26 Forgiveness is not bestowed indiscriminately, but is given to the man who submits to God and casts himself upon His mercy.” (Page 37)
“The inevitable reaction of a holy God is to act in judgement against those who fall away and rebel against Him (Jeremiah 5:9).” (Page 32)
“Sin is an attitude of rebellion against Yahweh, and the person who sins wittingly is a person who does not wish forgiveness.” (Page 37)
- Title: Kept by the Power of God: A Study of Perseverance and Falling Away
- Author: I. Howard Marshall
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2007
- Logos Release Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Perseverance (Theology); Apostasy › Biblical teaching; Salvation › Biblical teaching
- ISBNs: 9781556355257, 1556355254
- Resource ID: LLS:KPTPWRGDFLLNGWY
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T01:03:34Z
I. Howard Marshall (1934-2015) was a world-renowned New Testament scholar and the author or editor of at least thirty-eight books and more than 120 essays and articles. He taught New Testament at the University of Aberdeen for thirty-five years and was a professor emeritus for sixteen years. Among his numerous publications on the New Testament are his commentaries on the Gospel of Luke, Acts, 1-2 Thessalonians, the Pastoral Epistles and 1 Peter and 1-3 John. He is coauthor of Exploring the New Testament: A Guide to the Letters and Revelation and coeditor of the New International Greek Testament Commentary series, as well as the author of the series' volume on Luke. He has also authored New Testament Theology: Many Witnesses, One Gospel. Marshall was an evangelical Methodist who was born and lived most of his life in Scotland. He received a PhD from the University of Aberdeen and a DD from Asbury Theological Seminary.
Reviews
1 rating
Jonathan A.
4/25/2020
I felt like the section on the gospels was somewhat tedious with the amount of interaction in textual criticism and redaction and source scholarship with secular and skeptic scholars. I almost didn't get through that part, thinking the whole book would go along at that pace and tone. However, Marshall really came out at his pastoral best once it got to Chapter 4 (The Epistles of Paul) and onward. The book has helped me think about the topic a lot more clearly, and above all, has encouraged me in my faith and reminded me of the importance of encouraging our brothers and sisters in the faith, especially those who's love is growing cold. Highly recommend it, even if one skips the gospels and acts portions for the overly academic tone.