Luke 21 – IT is possible to “lose self” for Christ’s sake, and by that very means to gain it. On the other hand, a man may gain great possessions and “forfeit himself” (Luke 9:25, Moffatt). For encouragement in the trials which would come upon his friends in the days ahead Jesus promised that “in your patience ye shall win your souls” (21:19). Similarly, in 17:33, the one who shrank back for fear of losing his life, was actually losing himself. At the judgement seat of Christ many will be consigned to the second death because they have avoided suffering and in some cases death in an unwillingness to share the sufferings of Christ. But those of faith who for Christ’s sake have lost their lives will gain life, and self, for evermore.

JOHN CARTER, The Letter to the Hebrews, page 202.