You Can Know for Certain

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13 NKJV

In a sad update to the story of trail runner Kalie McCrystal’s disappearance a few days ago, it was reported that Kalie was never found and the search for her was called off. The writer went on to say:

From corporate lawyer to world-class skyrunner, Kalie McCrystal moved through extreme terrain with precision and joy. Friends and fellow mountaineers detail the high-stakes search on the Matterhorn.

Elite trail runner Kalie McCrystal reached the Matterhorn summit, at an elevation of 14,682 feet, on September 1. McCrystal, 38, had finished the route many times before and was scouting it ahead of an attempt to become the fastest woman to run it, her friend and fellow trail runner, Hillary Gerardi, told Outside.

Witnesses say she was moving smoothly. Then on her descent, she vanished without a trace.

After a week of scouring the Alps, Italian authorities called off the search for the Canadian runner on September 8. But her disappearance has left those close to her bewildered. McCrystal was an accomplished, skilled mountaineer running in broad daylight on a clearly marked trail.

Where did she go?

And, you know, while Kalie’s family and friends might never know where her physical body went, if Kaylie was a believer in Jesus Christ, they can know for certain where her spiritual body went …straight to heaven. And while this this might not take away all of the pain they might be feeling, you can be sure it will give them the hope. 

You see, the Apostle John explicitly stated that his purpose for penning his letter (1 John) to the churches was so that believers would not have to live in doubt about their eternity. Is that awesome or what? 

By saying, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God,” he filled them with hope! Not only because it removed the uncertainty of where their fellow brothers and sisters had gone after their death, but assured them that it was by God’s grace that they, themselves, were saved and not by works. Which meant they knew they were heaven bound!

But get this… the verse uses the word "know" (eīdēte in Greek), which implies absolute certainty and confidence, rather than a mere hope or wish and points to Jesus Christ as the sole source of eternal life. Furthermore, in the original language, "have eternal life" is in the present tense which signifies that eternal life is a current reality for the believer, not just something that begins after physical death.

“and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.’” Mark 1:15 NKJV

So, if you want this confidence for yourself, “Repent, and believe in the gospel” if you haven’t already done so my friend. This decision will ensure that, upon your passing, no one has to wonder where you went, they will know that you are in heaven. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing only One way to heaven that we might not be confused that repenting and believing in the gospel is the only way to salvation. Lord, help us to understand that life is uncertain and to not choose You while we have breath in our lungs is to choose eternal damnation—because there are only two choices and two destinations after death, heaven or hell. Help us to be bold in sharing this message with the world. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

*As we take the time to honor and remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, let the memory of what happened remind us that life is uncertain. 2,977 Americans lost their lives that day and not one of them knew it would be their last day alive. 

*But what we know is this…. All those who had placed their trust in Jesus Christ went immediately into His presence where they will live for the rest of eternity. As will you by making the same choice.