The context of this verse is the end times. Yes, I spent a significant amount of time outlining Ch. 24 and 25. I made a couple of lists. I noted the key points. I studied the logos (written word).
However, verse 13 was a rhema word (light bulb word for the moment) for me today. Holy Spirit had impressed on me, as I read through the NT in November and December, my personal focus for the year is endurance. I will camp on this focus when it is revealed in Scripture throughout the year.
The one who ENDURES to the END will be SAVED.
The one who keeps going, stays in the pool, stays in the fight, keeps standing in the storm, dances in the rain, bears up under the pressure - THAT one will be saved.
The one who endures not just this storm, this incident, this day....the one who endures all the way to the END...the completion, the finish line. In context this could be speaking to the end of the persecution or the end of a life....in any event God wants me to be a person who stands in the storm, dances in the rain, all the way to the END.When the dance has quit being fun and is a grueling test; He still calls me to ENDURE...to dance in the rain; stand in the storm.
THIS enduring, standing, finishing person will be SAVED. The word soso/sozo, translated saved, means:
- delivered
- made whole
- preserved safe from danger, loss, and destruction
- preserved from physical death
- preserved from spiritual death
Context is used to determine the meaning of the word. In this context, I think any of the above "could" apply, though most commentators lean towards salvation from spiritual death. I rejoice that I have been saved from the penalty of sin, am being saved from the power of sin, and will one day be saved from even the presence of sin!
There are many areas in my life which are works in progress. God, through this verse, challenges me to ENDURE to the END, trusting Him for deliverance, wholeness, safety, SALVATION. God will finish the work He has begun. I cooperate with Him when I endure, by grace.
Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...
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