Run to Win the Prize

The Christian life is like a marathon race set out before us. There is a reward in running well, but particularly in finishing. Christians agree that this is a consistent pattern of New Testament teaching.* ??However, is the prize a reward for having finished well?* Or is the prize salvation itself - and can it be lost?* Is everyone who started the race guaranteed a share in the prize? * Do the warnings in Scripture tell believers that it is up to them to succeed or fail in the race?* If so, is there no assurance of salvation?* Or can we affirm that 'once saved, always saved', and that only a difference in rewards awaits us?

??Thomas R. Schreiner's study, based on his lectures at the Twelfth Oak Hill Annual School of Theology, explores the nature of admonitions and warnings in New Testament theology, their role in relation to perseverance and assurance in practical Christian living, and their pastoral implications. He offers clarification of some controversial issues, and responds to misunderstandings.
-Publisher.

Publisher Description

This important work on the doctrine of perseverance examinesScripture's warnings and exhortations and their purpose insalvation.Scripture's commands to persevere, and warnings of theconsequences if we fail, have been met with apathy by some, and ledothers to doubt the state of their salvation. The fearful andeternal nature of these issues warrants careful examination of whatthe Bible says about perseverance. Thomas Schreiner once againtackles this difficult topic in Run to Win the Prize.Clarifying misunderstandings stemming from his more detailedtreatment in The Race Set Before Us (IVP 2001), Schreinerdraws together an illuminating overview of biblical teaching on thedoctrine of perseverance.Schreiner details how God directs the collective warnings andexhortations of Scripture toward believers as a means ofpreservation. We are to think of the call to persevere in light ofthe initial call to faith, both agents by which God leads us tofinal salvation. Those looking for a general treatment of thedoctrine of perseverance will profit from the challenges andassurances in Run to Win the Prize.