the Matthean Jesus says is necessary for salvation in the context of persecution, “The one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt 10:22; 24:13 NRSV). If one gains this virtue, one will be “mature” or “perfect” (again a virtue that Jesus commanded, Matt 5:48, and Noah had, Gen 6:9 LXX), lacking “nothing,” that is, no virtue. In this light one can have joy in testing, for, if endured, testing will show one’s commitment (or faith) is genuine and results in virtues that are necessary to salvation.
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