Those Who Endure Will Be Saved

Good morning, Church! If you have your Bible—and I hope you do—please turn with me to Mark 13. We’re in a series on the End Times, and today we’re learning about The Endurance of the Elect in the Midst of Tribulation. Recently, many of our people had to evacuate due to fires in our area. The word was get out quickly or you could lose your life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hufford family and the loss of their home from the wildfires. Praying for you guys.

As Jesus departed the temple in Jerusalem for the last time, a disciple marveled at its grandeur—marble, gilded gold, a 35-acre complex set on a hill. “Wow, what a beautiful building!” they exclaimed. But Jesus stunned them: “Not one stone will be left upon another.” After a walk to the Mount of Olives, He sat down and delivered His longest teaching in Mark, the Olivet Discourse, answering two questions from His inner circle—Peter, James, John, and Andrew—in Mark 13:4: “When will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”

A Time Question: “When will these things happen?”

A Sign Question: “What will be the sign?”

This isn’t just about the temple’s fall—it’s about the end of the age. Eschatology, that is the study of the End Times, isn’t optional; it’s core to discipleship. It impacts how you live your life. It impacts your perspective on everything. It’s an important issue, but its not a divisive issue. The Bible starts with creation in Genesis and ends with consummation in Revelation. And tying it all together is our big theme today: John 3:16—“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Martin Luther called this “the Gospel in a nutshell.” God exists, created us for His glory, and loves us so much that He sent Jesus—fully God, fully man—to live a sinless life. Tempted like us, He never sinned, obeying the Father perfectly. He died on the cross for our sins, so anyone who trusts in Him is saved from eternal punishment and given abundant life. That’s the Gospel! And it’s the hope that sustains us in trials, even the End Times. We’re going to learn four major points about the abomination of desolation. So let’s stand in honor of God’s Word as we explore this hope amidst tribulation.

Mark 13:13–23 ESV

13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

So who or what is the Abomination of Desolation? Matthew’s Gospel account adds that Daniel refers to this person that would desecrate the temple. This was fulfilled in 168 BC by Antiochus Epiphanes where he set up a statue of Zeus and offered pigs on the altar and made the temple desolate by offering abominable sacrifices. 

But here, Jesus points to a future event tied to the destruction of the temple. This is happened in 70 AD when Titus destroyed Jerusalem and killed 1.1 million Jewish people. This is a painting by David Roberts from 1851 depicting the destruction of Jerusalem.

There are many Christians that see this verse as not being fulfilled back then and it pointing to the antichrist. Some Christians see a future man desecrating a rebuilt temple tied to a seven year tribulation after a rapture. Others see persecution in general being the fulfillment of this passage. Others see the word fulfilled and the Gospel advancing around the world. Wherever you land, study the Word and be fully convinced in your own mind. 

Regardless of when this prophecy is ultimately fulfilled, Jesus gives us crucial lessons about living in times of persecution and hardship. Let's examine them.

It’s A Time of Crisis. 

“When you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be.” This is the only place where Mark directly addresses his readers by saying (let the reader understand). Something would happen in the future that this passage will help the reader understand. It will be a time of crisis. Jesus says in response to this revealing to flee your home, don’t even go inside for your belongings. Imagine a tornado warning comes—parents, you’re rushing to get the kids in the basement, you don’t grab the essentials- survival is primary. There’s no time to pack toys or snacks. That’s the urgency Jesus describes here. Kids, it’s like when your parents tell you to hurry because something big is happening—you trust them and follow fast!

Homes in Israel in the first century looked like this. A flat patio with access through outdoor steps. So don’t go into the home to gather belongings. Just go. It’s like when the flight attendant tells you that “If you need to evacuate, leave all belongings behind and proceed to the nearest exit.” Just get out.

And flee your fields. Don’t go get your cloak when this word of Jesus is fulfilled and the abomination of desolation comes, just leave. This is important because a cloak was the first century coat. It was a blanket for the evening. For many, it was their most valuable possession but if you’re working in the field and take off your cloak and need to go quickly, don’t go and try to get your cloak first, just run. Run, not to the cities with their walls but run to the mountains for their refuge.

Yet when these things happen, we can go to the next place without fear. Why can we flee without fear? Because John 3:16 promises that God loved us enough to send Jesus. He’s our ultimate safety, no matter what we leave behind.

It’s A Time of Sorrow

For Christians they would see this season as a time of despair and anguish and Jesus shows how to show love during times of sorrow in two ways here:

A Cause for Pity: (17) “And alas for women who are pregnant and nursing infants in those days!” This is the same word “woe” like what we saw a few weeks ago but instead of it being for judgment, the word is used to describe grief. The motive of Christ’s heart is for pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days.

Have you ever had to get your kids going somewhere quickly? It’s impossible, isn’t it? In our age of diaper bags and strollers it’s actually a luxury most of the world never got to experience. The ancient world was a man’s world. Women and children were vulnerable and were treated like objects, not people. Yet, Jesus is moved with compassion for them! Jesus’ compassion for the vulnerable reflects John 3:16—God’s love doesn’t abandon us in hard times; it gets us through.

This teaches us that biblical manhood is about headship and protection over those who are vulnerable. Real manhood is not about exercising authority and power with indiscretion, but is power under control and set in the direction for others benefits. Not our own. 

We see the love of Jesus for children. He doesn’t tell women to leave their children behind, but instead is moved by the burden that woman and nursing mothers have.

A Call to Prayer: (v. 18) “Pray that it may not happen in winter.” In Israel, the winter is the wet and rainy season which greatly impacts travel. It could even prevent it. So Jesus directs His disciples to pray that this time would not happen in the winter. This teaches us two things that you should write down:

God controls the weather. He brings the storms and brings the warmth. Every raindrop falls by His power. 

Prayer changes things. Jesus invites us to pray because prayer changes circumstances and situations all the time. 

It’s a Time of Tribulation

Anyone else tired of the word “unprecedented”? Man we heard that word every single day don’t we? I decided to look up that word to see its use. (War of 1812, WW1, WW2) We heard it a lot during COVID, but forget that our nation dealt with smallpox, measles, cholera, scarlet fever, typhoid, polio and others. We hear it in the news regarding our political and economic climate. The fact is that most of the things are unprecedented because most people don’t know their history. 

This event though that Jesus talks about would truly be a historic event. This is probably the best argument for this being a future event because Jesus said nothing would compare to it. That includes Noah’s flood, the plagues in Egypt, the bombs dropped in the world wars. Whether you believe it’s a past event or a future one, we learn the truth about God’s intervention. Verse 20 says "And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.” So the bad news is that these will be really really bad times. The good news is that these will be short times. Times of tribulation could cause all humanity to get wiped from the earth but God is involved. He is not aloof, He is present and in control. 

Also Jesus clearly teaches the doctrine of election here. The elect are those whom God has chosen to save by His grace. If you are trusting in Christ, it is because He called you to Himself. Who are the elect? It’s those whom He chose according to this passage. And those are all those that have trusted in Christ as Savior and Lord. Ephesians 1:4

Ephesians 1:4 ESV

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

Yet, it is a comforting truth that God loves His people and will not allow them to be destroyed by evil. And yet humanity in general is spared for the sake of the elect. The days are shortened because of God’s love in John 3:16. He won’t let His elect perish—He’s preserving His people for eternal life.

A Time of Deception

Jesus at the very beginning of this teaching says “See that no one leads you astray.” You see, Jesus seems to be much more concerned about warning about deception rather than the antichrist because it’s a greater threat than persecution. So what does that mean?

It means that should live spiritually discerning lives. Look at verse 21- “And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.” People cling to hope. Even Christians. For us we have to ask ourselves, what do we hope in? When we hope in something, it means we trust in it. We believe it. This is what John means in 3:16 when he records the words of Jesus, “that whosoever believes in Him,” It’s not some sort of belief that leaves little impact in our lives, it’s actually a belief that determines how we live our lives. 

John Calvin said, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is not alone.” In other words, when we say we have faith and believe in God there must be a tangible change in what we do, where our priorities lie, and the things we love. 

Being secure in Christ means taking His words here seriously and not being persuaded by what the world has to offer in terms of hope. It means rejecting teachers that say that Jesus is coming on a certain date. It means not being led astray by false teaching. Jesus said in verse 22 “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.” There’s all sorts of groups and organizations out there that want to lead people astray. They want money, they want followers. Ever gotten one of those scam emails from an African ‘prince’ promising you millions? False teachers are spiritual scammers—offering hope but stealing your soul.

You might be wondering, is that me? Listen to what Jesus said in John 10:27-29

John 10:27–29 ESV

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

False Christs and prophets will show signs and wonders. Many make you feel good about yourself and don’t call you to repentance. The words “signs and wonders” there mean miraculous signs and awe-inspiring works. That’s kind of scary, right? Jesus warns that many false teachers will perform miracles in order to lead people astray. 

This is why we must be spiritually alert. Jesus said, "But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.” Over and over again in Jesus’ teaching on the mount He instructs us, vs 5- “see that no one leads you astray,”, vs. 9- “be on your guard”, vs. 33- “Be on guard, keep awake.” Vs 35- “stay awake”, vs 37 “stay awake”. Think Jesus is trying to say something?  Jesus is warning His disciples about the coming future that would take place in their lifetime, and we would continue to see it in our own. Therefore stay alert and be awake! Your faith will be tested! But how can we be prepared?

First and foremost, you must be a follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to this earth and died to save sinners like me and like you. Turn from trusting in yourself and your own righteousness, and place your full trust in Christ alone! Remember that His sheep hear His voice.” Do you hear the voice of Christ to follow Him? Then trust in Him today! You can do that right now by telling God that you repent of your sins and that you are committing yourself to Him. Then tell someone about it. Talk to me, Ms. Susie, one of the elders. Talk to someone.

Next as we see here, Jesus said “I have told you all things beforehand”. The Bible is enough for our life. It doesn’t go into detail about everything, but the principles in it apply to our lives right now! 

Thirdly answer this question “Are you ready?” Honestly, assess where you’re at. If Christ were to return right now are you ready? Those who are saved respond emphatically “YES!”. Jesus said in verse 13 “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” How do we endure? We don’t endure by grinning and bearing it like sitting in a dentist’s chair or something. We endure by resting in Jesus. It’s not about our ability to save ourselves. Its not about our perfect obedience. It’s about His ability to preserve us and those who belong to Christ endure to the end by resting in Jesus.

We live in a time where many folks prayed a prayer for fire insurance. Many were told, if you pray and ask Jesus into your heart, you will be saved and have life eternally. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 7:21–23 ESV

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

True, saving faith is about receiving the Word of God and living in light of it. Jesus said in Luke 6:46-48

Luke 6:46–48 ESV

46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.

You want eternal life? Come to Christ and continue in Christ. That’s the definition of belief is to rest your entire trust in. So whether you believe that the return of Christ is imminent, or far off. Whether you believe in a rapture, or not, you and I are called to trust in Jesus Christ to be diligent, to discern, and to endure until He returns. 

Trust in Christ, which was crucified, rose again, and is going to return to save you and keep you forever. If you’re in Him, stand firm. And if you’re not ready, then repent of your sin and believe the Gospel today.

Maybe you haven’t been here in a while, or ever. That’s okay—Jesus meets you where you are. John 3:16 isn’t just a verse; it’s His promise: believe in Him, and you’re part of His family forever. Talk to me or someone today—we’d love to walk with you.

Head: God wants you to know that He will sustain you through every trial and ensures that if you trust in Jesus you will endure and be saved. Don’t get caught off guard. Trust in Christ today! Live for Him now! Don’t wait.

Heart: God wants you to believe that trusting in Jesus, (as promised in John 3:16,) is the only sure hope that will carry you through life’s hardest moments to eternal life. Don’t trust in your experiences, your works, your actions. Don’t think you’re not as bad as others. Trust in Christ Jesus today!

Hand: God wants you to trust in Jesus and rest in Him daily through prayer and Scripture, trusting Him alone to guide and preserve you through any trial.