Luke 21:19

By persevering faithfully when persecuted they would preserve their lives (Gr. ktesesthe tas psychas hymon). That is, they would not die before it was God’s will for them to die (Luke 21:18). Some interpreters believe that this verse simply restates in different terms the principle that those who endure to the end will experience salvation (Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13). [Note: E.g., Martin, p. 257.] Matthew and Mark recorded a principle for disciples living just before the Lord’s return. Those who remained faithful to the end of the Tribulation would enter the kingdom without dying (Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13). However the differences in terminology in Luke argue for a different meaning here. This verse seems to be an additional promise. It cannot mean that martyrs can earn justification by remaining faithful rather than apostatizing since justification comes by faith, not works (cf. Romans 2:7). It may mean that perseverance will earn an eternal reward (cf. Luke 21:36; Revelation 2:10).