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QUESTION 40
In Matthew 24:13, we read, "But he that endureth to the end shall be saved." Does this not teach that one must endure to the end to be saved?

ANSWER:
This has always been a problem verse with many that believe in salvation by grace and works. They constantly refer to it as the "proof text" of their convictions.

In examining the context we will soon see what this verse is talking about. Jesus has left the Jewish temple for the last time. He told the leader, "Your house is left unto you desolate." Matthew 23:38, but there will come a time when ye shall say, "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord," Matthew 23:39. In Matthew 24, He is speaking of a time when He will come back to Israel and bless them with salvation.

This period is now nearly 2000 years old. It will end with a period of seven years of trouble for them, Daniel 12:1, Daniel 9:24 and Daniel 9:27. During this period some of Israel will side in with the Antichrist and perish, while others will flee to the wilderness and hide for three and a half years, Revelation 12:6 and Revelation 12:14. They will be waiting for their Messiah to come the first time, as hey do not accept Jesus as such. They will not apostatize, but will endure right through that terrible time of trouble. This will be in unbelief in the true Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. When Jesus comes to them they will "look on Him whom they have pierced." - Zechariah 12:10, and they will receive Him at this time. Isaiah 13:1 and Isaiah 66:7-9 clearly speak of this time "when a nation will be born-again in a day." Zechariah 13:9 suggests that about one third of them will be saved. This is your answer. They will endure in unbelief and eventually trust Christ and be saved. The verse has nothing to do with present day believers.

It is not endurance that saved, but Christ alone, and that by trusting Him alone.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen