It is one of the most debated of the statements Jesus ever made —“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matt 24:13)

What does this mean?

“Interpreters offer three basic possibilities for Jesus’ meaning here. One is that those who remain faithful to Christ until death will see eternal salvation—meaning those who fall away will lose their salvation. Second is that lifelong faithfulness is a sign of true salvation. Third is that those who survive the catastrophic events leading up to Christ’s second coming will be spared from death and be physically present in His earthly kingdom.

Given the end-times context of this passage, the most likely meaning is the third: that those who survive the tribulation will be “saved” in the sense of being “spared,” and will continue to live in the millennial kingdom. The idea that apostasy disproves earlier claims to faith is biblical (1 John 2:18–19) but does not seem to be the point of this exact verse. The concept that one could lose or walk away from eternal life is contrary to other teachings of both Christ and the apostles.”1 John 3:14; 5:11–12).(Bible Ref App).

Basically, scripture does not support that those who are truly saved can walk away from the faith. Instead, they were likely never true believers.

So, the third meaning above does seem the most accurate interpretation of this verse and suggests that people will come to know Christ during the Tribulation. However, these days will be horrendously hard for those believers.

No one should ever desire to go through such hard times as the Tribulation will be, nor should anyone think they should wait to settle what they believe about salvation and the end of days. The reading of prophecy indicates these terrible days may indeed come soon (see yesterday’s post).

We should have a sense of somber urgency here. All should consider if they truly know the Lord as Savior or just know about Him through a religion that’s never changed your life.

What’s more, those who know the Lord as Savior, and love those who do not, should be diligently praying and understand it is our lips that need to be telling.

And this week as many of us will gather with friends and family for Thanksgiving, let’s ask God to help us share why we are thankful for our salvation and how we find peace in this crazy world because of the unchanging love of the One who is coming again.

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