SPRINGFIELD, MO. — Athletes train for years for a single race, for the privilege of breaking the tape in an Olympic event. Only one runner can capture the gold, stand atop the podium and hear his or her national anthem. Only one can enjoy the moment of glory.

Nonmedalists, on the other hand, face the bitter realization of failure. When the race is finished, they contend with regret and dejection. At the finish line, there is a contrast of emotions: Winners sport wide grins; losers wince with physical and emotional pain.

One day, when our lives end and the reality of eternity sets in, we will either experience the elation of victory or the despair of defeat. Those who receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will experience ultimate fulfillment and peace in heaven. Those who do not receive Him will suffer for eternity.

The race to heaven is not an Olympic event, where the outcome is determined by one’s physical prowess. Heaven is awarded those who have followed Christ. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (NIV).

You can receive your salvation and the promise of heaven today by following the ABCs of Salvation. The Olympians featured in this magazine, at one time or another, have invited Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. They discovered that the greatest prize in life is not a gold medal, but rather a relationship with Jesus Christ.

No one knows when his or her race will end. We can’t see the finish line. But we can live with the assurance that the finish line on earth is the starting line for eternity in heaven.

Hal Donaldson

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