either that he himself will remain alive until he descends to earth, or that what is meant is the survival of his remembrance and the praise accorded to him—an honest testimony in his favor—until the end of time.

What further confirms this, and shows that the passage cannot mean what they allege, is that he also said: “The Word of God endures forever.” He described it with endurance, not with pre-eternity. Yet, in their doctrine, the Word begotten of the Father is ancient and everlasting—without beginning or end—and something of that sort has no need to be characterized as lasting or enduring. By contrast, the bliss, mercy, and reward that He has promised are indeed portrayed as remaining and everlasting, as in the Quran:

“Its fruit is everlasting” (Q 13:35),

and His words, “Indeed, this is Our provision; it will never run out” (Q 38:54).

Likewise, the Psalms state: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever.”