"In the first place, God the Father keeps him, -- 'kept by the power of God'; the power that created and upholds the world, keeps the believer. The eternal purpose, love, and grace of the Father keeps him: this is the first cord.
"Again, God the Son keeps him: 'My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.' The covenant engagements, the perfect obedience, the atoning death of Immanuel, keeps the believer: this is the second cord.
"Yet again, God the Holy Ghost keeps him: 'When the enemy shall com in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him' [put him to flight]. The effectual calling, the personal indwelling, the tender love, the covenant faithfulness, and the omnipotent power of the Eternal Spirit, keep the believer: this is the third cord. And 'a threefold cord is not quickly broken' Eccles. 4:12. Exceedingly great and precious promises!"
from Personal Declension and Revival of Religion in the Soul by Octavius Winslow
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