“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36
In a tragic story published by the Korea JoongAng Daily, a runner in his early twenties died after being struck by a truck during a marathon in South Korea. The athlete suffered severe head and upper-body injuries, was declared brain-dead, and later passed away in the hospital. One moment he was running a race; the next, his earthly life was over.
Stories like this arrest us because they expose a truth we often avoid: Life is fragile, and death does not give us notice. None of us—young or old—wake up expecting that day to be our last. Yet every day, for someone, it is.
If that runner trusted in Jesus Christ, we can grieve his loss while also rejoicing in a greater reality—his eternal life. Scripture is unmistakably clear: “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life.” (John 3:36) “Everlasting” means unending, secure, and not dependent on circumstances. But John 3:36 is equally clear about the alternative: “He who does NOT believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Jesus Himself said, “And these [the unsaved] will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46) Death is not the end for anyone. It is either the joyful beginning of eternal life with God or the dreadful beginning of everlasting separation from Him. Nowhere in the Bible does it talk about purgatory. There is no second chance after death. Each person’s eternity is decided in this life.
This truth also dismantles a common myth—that God sends people to hell. Scripture teaches otherwise. God has made the way of salvation clear through His Son. Those who reject that gift choose separation. Not choosing Christ is choosing to reject Him.
Salvation must never be postponed because tomorrow is never promised.
This runner did not expect that race to be his final one, yet it was. His opportunity to choose eternity ended in an instant. The invitation for you, however, is open now. “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) Salvation is not earned by being a good person. It is not inherited from family, church attendance, or religion. Good deeds cannot erase sin. Jesus paid it all, and it is HE you must trust for your salvation.
If you have never trusted Jesus as your Savior, today is the day. This is the most important decision you will ever make, and it must not be delayed. Eternity is too long to be wrong, and life is too short to assume you have more time.
If you are already a believer, this truth places a vital responsibility on you. We must make sure they know. People around us are running their own races, unaware of how close the finish line is. The Gospel is their only hope. It is the power of God to salvation. Know how to share it. Pray about when and how to share it. The lost souls around us depend on it.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for making the truth clear—that there are only two eternal destinations and only one Savior. Give us hearts that feel the urgency of eternity and courage to speak the truth in love. Help us not to remain silent when souls are at stake. May no one perish without hearing the Good News because we failed to share it. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
