An expression probably formed from such passages as Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:6, where a company of professing Christians are solemnly addressed on the ground of their responsibility. We must but ever remember, that no sheep of Christ ever perishes, while knowing this, let us give full weight to such passages as speak of our consistent walk down here. Scripture also speaks of our being kept by the power of God through faith, rather than of the “perseverance of the elect.”