It is also important never to lose sight of the Christian hope, eternal life in a sinless state. Contemplating the fine example set by God’s servants-the pre-Christian prophets, Job, the apostles Paul and John, and many more-and noting the outcome of their faithful course can be a great stimulus in maintaining endurance when one is experiencing suffering. They “bear fruit with endurance,” faithfully continuing to proclaim God’s message despite hardship, suffering, and discouragement.- Lu 8:11, 13, 15. But those who develop deep appreciation for “the word of God” endure steadfastly. They soon give up under tribulation or persecution, losing out on God’s approval and blessing. Persons who quickly accept “the word of God,” but only on a surface level, lack endurance. As Jesus Christ expressed it: “He that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.” ( Mt 24:13) “By endurance on your part you will acquire your souls.”- Lu 21:19. ( Ro 2:7 Heb 10:36 Re 14:12) This is because what counts is the finish, not how well a person may have started in the course of Christian discipleship. Without this essential quality, a person simply could not come into possession of eternal life. Among the things Christians may have to face are indifference on the part of others, reproach, misrepresentation, intense hostility, hatred by close family members, mistreatment, imprisonment, and even death.
neʹ usually denotes courageous, steadfast, or patient “endurance” that does not lose hope in the face of obstacles, persecutions, trials, or temptations.It also came to have the sense “stand one’s ground persevere remain steadfast,” and is thus translated ‘endure.’ ( Mt 24:13) The noun hy meʹno, literally meaning “remain or stay under,” is rendered ‘remain behind’ in Luke 2:43 and Acts 17:14.