Matthew 24:13(KJV)
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Jesus, when asked privately by His disciples to tell them when these will happen and what will be the sign of His coming and the end of the age, said to them to see that no one leads them astray and concludes that the one who endures to the finish line will be saved. Our Lord Jesus Christ did not hide this truth from His disciples and eventually us when He said the one who perseveres to the end would make it to Heaven. So, the possibility of starting the Christian race and not reaching the finish line is obvious. However, faithful followers of Jesus Christ will withstand the onslaught of wickedness, recognize and reject false teaching, and cling to the truth of God’s Word. Our endurance will help us overcome this world and be devoted Christians. In humility and trust in God, not corrupted by flatteries, we will arrive safely in Heaven at the end of our journey on earth. While the world wonders after the kingdom of the devil, those who understand and endure will rest in hope, knowing that we belong to the Kingdom of God.
In the Christian race, without perseverance and endurance, it is not hard to fall away from the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 says, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” These words were part of Apostle Paul’s last words that he spoke before his execution at Rome. Finishing the race requires dedication, which comes from the conviction that God is and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. So, those still running the Christian race must be more careful because there are more distractions today than before. While awaiting the revelation of the ultimate experience of salvation, the devil, the world, and the flesh will work to derail the salvation experience received by trying to lead many to commit sins they once left behind. Persecution and tribulation are not strange to the Christian faith, as our Lord already told us they would happen. The devil will do everything possible to make Christians regret the day they gave their life to God through His Son, Jesus Christ, by opening all routes of persecution, trials, and all forms of affliction. It is part of satan’s ambition to make believers suffer afflictions and persecutions to give up and give in to his tricks. But we need to endure and not give in to them. If we return to our former sins, we will not partake of the ultimate salvation experience that shall be revealed and received at the appearance of Christ. The enemy, satan, can put many trials in the path of Christians. But Philippians 4:13 assures us that we can do all things and overcome any test with the help of Jesus Christ, Who strengthens us.
Beloved, as you journey through the wilderness of this world toward your heavenly home, don’t forget that this way is; a narrow one. Straight is the gate, and slim is the way, according to the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ. It takes a lot of discipline and self-denial to scale through successfully. So, dig in and take a stand for Jesus Christ, even though this may attract persecution or tribulation. Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord and knowing your labor is not in vain. Despite the threats of trials, temptations, and all forms of afflictions, you will instruct many by your words and deeds, winning souls for Christ and knowing that to live is Christ, but to die is gain, and whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. As a child of God, you should be persistent no matter what the devil throws your way. In all things, endure with patience and rely on the Comforter. For victory belongs to those who persevere. I pray that you will persist to the end in the Name of Jesus. Pursuing holy living and fighting the good fight of faith leads you to eternal life. Never mind the circumstances around you now. Determine never to give up! Take heed, lest you fall! Be careful how you run the race! Keep your eyes on the end! Continue living in the reality of the salvation received by enforcing your victory over sin.
O Lord, help me endure to the end and not perish with this world in Jesus’ Name.