Blessed Assurance (2)

Martin Luther, in the Bondage of the Will (p. 268), explains that Christ is the Author of our Salvation from start to finish. Our perseverance rests in His preservation.

I say that man, before he is renewed into the new creation of the Spirit’s kingdom, does and endeavours nothing to prepare himself for that new creation and kingdom, and when he is re-created has does and endeavors nothing towards his perseverance in that kingdom; but the Spirit alone works both blessings in us, regenerating us, and preserving us when regenerate, without ourselves..."