What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved? In Matthew 24:13, Jesus makes a powerful statement: “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (KJV). This verse has sparked much discussion and interpretation among Christians. It is part of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, where He provides insight to His disciples about future events and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. To fully grasp the meaning of this verse, we need to examine it in context and understand the broader teachings of the Bible.

What the Bible Says About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

What Scripture Says

1. The Context of Matthew 24:13

Matthew 24:13 is found within a larger passage in which Jesus describes the events leading up to His second coming. In Matthew 24:9-14, Jesus warns His disciples about the persecution they will face, the rise of false prophets, and the increase of wickedness. He states that during this time, many will turn away from the faith and betray one another. However, He assures His followers that those who stand firm to the end will be saved. This verse highlights the importance of endurance and perseverance in the face of trials and tribulations.

2. The Last Days and the End Times

To understand the significance of enduring to the end, we must first recognize that the “end times” began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Peter refers to this event as “the last days” in Acts 2:16-21. From God’s perspective, the last days encompass both past and future events. Jesus combines the events of AD 70, when the temple was destroyed, with those yet to come. These events collectively make up the “last days.” Jesus warns that as persecution increases, many who claim to follow Him will reveal their true spiritual condition by turning away from the faith. Thus, enduring to the end becomes a test of true Christian faith.

3. Endurance as a Promise of Perseverance

When Jesus says, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved,” He is not implying that our salvation is dependent on our own strength or ability to remain saved. Instead, it is a promise of perseverance. Those who have genuinely received God’s grace and are born again will have the grace to endure to the end. The various trials and challenges mentioned by Jesus will reveal the authenticity of one’s faith. The majority may grow cold and fall away, but those who stand firm demonstrate that they are truly saved by grace.

4. Enduring Through Persecution

Matthew 24:9 warns that followers of Jesus will face persecution and even death for their faith. Throughout history, countless Christians have endured persecution and martyrdom. In today’s world, we see an escalation of persecution, particularly in regions where Christianity is not widely accepted. Hatred towards Christians can manifest in various forms, from physical persecution to social exclusion and discrimination. Enduring through persecution requires unwavering faith and trust in God’s strength.

5. Standing Firm Through Ridicule and Hatred

As the world becomes increasingly polarized, Christians may face ridicule and hatred for their beliefs. Matthew 24:10 mentions that many will turn away from the faith and betray and hate each other. In today’s digital age, the proliferation of social media platforms has given rise to divisive opinions and un-Christlike dialogue. Even within Christian circles, disagreements over non-essential issues have led to alienation and animosity. The pressure to conform to the god of tolerance often leads to ridicule and self-righteous hatred towards those who hold firm to biblical principles.

6. Rejecting False Teaching

In Matthew 24:11, Jesus warns of the appearance of many false prophets who will deceive people. False prophets are not always easily recognizable; they may present themselves as charismatic and knowledgeable individuals who use Scripture to support their teachings. This deception can lead those who lack a thorough understanding of God’s Word astray. Today, we witness the spread of false teachings such as hyper-grace and the prosperity gospel, which deviate from the true message of self-sacrifice and surrender. Enduring to the end requires discernment and a firm foundation in the truth of God’s Word.

7. Standing Firm Amidst a Sinful Culture

Matthew 24:12 states that the increase of wickedness will cause the love of most to grow cold. We observe this cause-and-effect relationship in our present society. As culture redefines morality and embraces sinful behavior, those who adhere to biblical principles are increasingly marginalized. The pressure to conform to the world’s values can cause individuals to question the relevance of Scripture and compromise their faith. Enduring to the end means standing firm in the face of a culture that challenges biblical truth and holding steadfastly to God’s standards.

8. The Assurance of Salvation

When Jesus declares that those who endure to the end will be saved, He is assuring true believers of their ultimate salvation. Those who have been sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22) have the power of God working within them. This power enables them to withstand the trials and temptations of this world. True followers of Jesus Christ overcome the world and will receive their reward in the kingdom to come (Revelation 3:21). Their endurance is evidence of their genuine faith and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

9. The Call to Endure

The call to endure to the end is not meant to instill fear or doubt in believers. Instead, it serves as an encouragement to persevere in faith and trust in God’s faithfulness. Endurance is not a result of our own strength but a manifestation of God’s grace working in us. As we face trials, persecution, and the challenges of a sinful world, we can find hope and strength in knowing that God is with us and will enable us to endure.

10. Embracing the Journey

Enduring to the end is not a mere test of our faith but a transformative journey. It is a process of growing in our relationship with God, deepening our understanding of His Word, and relying on His strength. As we endure, we become more like Christ, reflecting His character and love to the world. The journey of endurance is an opportunity to draw closer to God, to trust Him more fully, and to experience His faithfulness in our lives.

In conclusion, when Jesus stated, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved,” He emphasized the importance of perseverance and endurance in the life of a true believer. Enduring to the end does not imply that our salvation is dependent on our own efforts, but rather, it signifies the transforming work of God’s grace in our lives. As we face persecution, ridicule, false teaching, and a sinful culture, we can find strength and hope in the assurance that God is with us and will enable us to endure. Let us embrace the journey of endurance, growing in our faith and reflecting the love of Christ to the world.

What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved?

Matthew 24:13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Matthew 10:22 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Mark 13:13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Matthew 24:12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.

Hebrews 3:14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.

James 5:11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;

Group 1 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Hebrews 3:6 But Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.

Matthew 24:1-51 Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. …

Group 2 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

1 Corinthians 1:8 Who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Revelation 2:26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,

Luke 21:19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Revelation 21:7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Group 3 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

Revelation 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.

Romans 2:7 To those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

2 Timothy 3:10-12 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Group 4 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

Matthew 24:9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.

John 15:6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.

2 Peter 2:20-22 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

Group 5 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

Revelation 14:12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

Revelation 3:21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Hebrews 10:26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

Luke 21:17 You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; …

Group 6 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

Matthew 24:10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Matthew 24:21-22 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

Revelation 2:2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.

Jude 1:3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

Hebrews 10:38 But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”

Group 7 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

Hebrews 6:4-8 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.

1 Corinthians 13:6-7 It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

Group 8 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

Romans 11:26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”;

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Revelation 6:2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.

Revelation 5:6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Group 9 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

Revelation 3:5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

Revelation 3:3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Colossians 1:11 Being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Revelation 3:10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

Group 10 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

2 Peter 1:10-11 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Group 11 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Romans 11:19-22 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

Romans 8:1-39 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. …

Group 12 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

John 3:3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Psalm 119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.

Revelation 3:4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

Revelation 3:12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.

Group 14 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

Revelation 2:11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

Revelation 3:8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

2 Peter 1:5-7 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

1 Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Group 15 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Romans 5:3-4 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

John 6:27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

Daniel 9:27 And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”

Group 16 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.

John 3:1-36 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. …

Matthew 24:6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Lamentations 5:19 But you, O Lord, reign forever; your throne endures to all generations.

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Group 17 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

Psalm 138:8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Revelation 20:4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Group 18 – What Does the Bible Say About Only Those Who Endure to the End Will be Saved

1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

Revelation 19:20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

Revelation 3:2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.

1 Chronicles 16:34 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Revelation 1:2 Who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.

Revelation 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Also Read

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