J. Matthew Pinson Among the most hotly debated topics in the history of Christian theology has been the perseverance of the saints. Perhaps the reason for the intense interest in this subject is that the doctrine of perseverance relates closely to the assurance of salvation. Christians often associate the questions “How can I be sure I am saved?” and “Am I eternally secure in my salvation?” One’s answer to one of those questions often affects his or her answer to the other. Perhaps because