February 15, 2023: If You Don't Quit, You Win

"But the one who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:13, ESV)

If there is one thing my parents did well, it was to build endurance in my sister and me. Farm life is a good life, but it can sometimes be difficult. Dad and mom wanted to be sure they instilled in us the ability to endure.  
    
Jesus stressed to the 12 the importance of enduring. The word 'endures' is different from the word 'patience.' Endurance means to be successfully resistant. Like a wounded person resists pain or a person of integrity resists bribes. Jesus tells the Twelve that they will have to actively resist the external pressures designed to crush them. To give in will cost you your heavenly destination.
    
This word, 'endures,' "is not motivated outwardly by public opinion or hope of reward but inwardly by love of honor." (TWNT Abridged.) "Affliction produces endurance and endurance character, character hope and hope does not disappoint us." Romans 5:3-4 Hopes' most significant expression is in times of affliction. It promises that if we endure, we will also reign with Christ. 2 Timothy 2:12
    
The promise of enduring is we "will be saved!" The word for saved is sozo. 'Saved' is more than just getting to go to heaven. Sozo is the salvation of the total man! Sozo is translated as physical healing in many places. It is translated as delivered in others. It speaks of salvation in yet other places. Jesus said, "But the one who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:13, ESV)  If you don't quit, you win!