Study Guide for "He That Shall Endure unto the End, the Same Shall Be Saved"

In his General Conference address, Elder Claudio D. Zivic of the Seventy emphasizes the importance of enduring to the end in order to achieve salvation. Drawing from personal experiences, scriptural references, and teachings of Jesus Christ, Elder Zivic provides profound insights and practical guidance on how to remain steadfast in our covenants and commitments despite the challenges we face. His message serves as a reminder of the eternal significance of our daily actions and decisions, urging us to stay true to our faith and continually strive for spiritual progress.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does it mean to endure to the end according to Elder Zivic?
How can we evaluate our determination to serve Jesus Christ?
What lessons can we learn from Peter's response to Jesus in Capernaum?
What are some common justifications people use for becoming inactive in the Church, and how does Elder Zivic address them?
What practical steps does Elder Zivic suggest for enduring to the end?

Topics

Understand the Meaning of Endurance

Elder Zivic defines enduring to the end as remaining firm in our commitment to follow God's commandments despite facing temptations, opposition, and adversity. He emphasizes that even those with strong spiritual experiences can falter if they do not persist in their faith.

To endure means "to remain firm in a commitment to be true to the commandments of God despite temptation, opposition, and adversity."

Even those who have had powerful spiritual experiences and have given faithful service could one day go astray or fall into inactivity if they do not endure to the end.

What does it mean to endure to the end?
Why is enduring to the end crucial for our salvation?
In what ways can you strengthen your commitment to follow God's commandments?
What temptations or adversities are you currently facing, and how can you remain firm in your faith despite them?

Reflect on Sacred Covenants

Elder Zivic reminds us that we made covenants with the Savior at baptism, committing to serve Him to the end. He underscores the importance of regular sacrament meeting attendance as a measure of our dedication and spiritual strength.

When we were baptized, we made covenants—not with any man but with the Savior, agreeing to "take upon [ourselves] the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end."

Attendance at sacrament meetings is one of the key ways we can evaluate our determination to serve Him, our spiritual fortitude, and the growth of our faith in Jesus Christ.

What covenants did we make at baptism?
Why is attending sacrament meetings important for our spiritual growth?
How can you improve your commitment to attending sacrament meetings regularly?
What steps can you take to better remember and honor your baptismal covenants?

Repent and Overcome Sin

Elder Zivic uses the metaphor of a leaky kayak to illustrate how unrepented sins can hinder our spiritual progress. He urges us to address and repent of our sins to maintain spiritual balance and avoid jeopardizing our eternal blessings.

If we persist in our sins, we forget the covenants we have made with the Lord, even though we keep capsizing because of the imbalance that those sins create in our lives.

Like the cracks in my kayak, the cracks in our lives need to be dealt with. Some sins will require more efforts than others to repent of.

How do unrepented sins affect our spiritual progress?
What steps can we take to effectively repent and overcome sin?
What sins or weaknesses are hindering your spiritual progress, and how can you address them?
How can you seek the Lord's help in overcoming your personal challenges and weaknesses?

Follow a Formula for Endurance

Elder Zivic provides a practical formula for enduring to the end, which includes daily prayer and scripture study, weekly sacrament participation, paying tithing and fast offerings, renewing temple recommends, and lifelong service in the Lord's work.

I suggest a formula that will help us endure to the end: Daily, pray and read the scriptures. Weekly, partake of the sacrament with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Pay our tithing and our monthly fast offering. Every two years—every year for the youth—renew our temple recommends. Throughout our whole lives, serve in the work of the Lord.

What are the components of Elder Zivic's formula for enduring to the end?
How does each component of the formula contribute to spiritual endurance?
How can you incorporate Elder Zivic's formula into your daily and weekly routines?
What specific actions can you take to improve in each area of the formula?

Rely on the Savior's Atonement

Elder Zivic testifies of the Savior's atoning sacrifice, emphasizing that Jesus Christ understands our pains, fears, and weaknesses. He assures us that the Savior will strengthen and comfort us as we strive to endure and obtain eternal life.

How grateful I am that our Savior endured unto the end, completing His great atoning sacrifice.

He suffered for our sins, pains, depression, anguish, infirmities, and fears, and so He knows how to help us, how to inspire us, how to comfort us, and how to strengthen us so that we may endure and obtain the crown that is reserved for those who are not defeated.

What does the Savior's atonement mean for us?
How can we rely on the Savior's atonement to help us endure to the end?
In what ways have you felt the Savior's support and comfort in your life?
How can you more fully rely on the Savior's atonement in your daily struggles and challenges?