How did the doctrine of the perseverence of the saints develop in the way it is understood and applied in the life of the church? This article gives an overview of the history of this doctrine, starting with the important contribution of Augustine. It continues with how Thomas Aquinas saw perseverance as a necessary gift of God, but believers cannot be certain it was given to them. Next, the way John Calvin viewed perseverance is explored as a necessary gift of God and is certain for the believer. In contrast to Calvin, Jacobus Arminius saw perseverance as necessary but that God does not determine who will persevere.