All races have certain common characteristics. There must be a track or some prescribed course that provides a starting point and a finish line. There is a prescribed distance which may vary from a fifty-yard dash to several kilometers or furlongs or even miles in the case of a marathon. There are spectators and a grandstand or bleachers for them. Some races have obstacles or hurdles that must be jumped. Those who participate in these contests must go through rigorous training to develop strong muscles and stamina. Special equipment such as running shoes provide to maximize comfort and utility. Oxygen deprivation in the muscles can cause cramps, exhaustion, and ultimate failure, so a runner must develop efficient use of lungs and heart to produce maximum energy.
The spectators are vitally interested in the outcome, and they cheer on the runners. Since in most races much of the action is in the distance or obstructed by trees or building, many of the spectators use binoculars, and there is an announcer who broadcasts the progress of the race. An oval track has several "legs," two near turns, a backstretch, and two far turns, and a homestretch in front of the grandstand. It is here that the finish line is located. The race begins with the runners lined up to the staring line. The starting points may be staggered to compensate for the difference in distance of the lanes due to the curves in the track so that all runners cover the same distance. The race may involve several laps, so the runners must gauge themselves for a final sprint at the end. The excitement grows as the runners come into the homestretch and approach the finish line, especially if it is a close finish between two or more runners.
The Apostle Paul likens the Christian life to a race. When we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, the starting gun fires and we are off. We are to run with patience so as not to become exhausted before the finish; we are to overcome obstacles through rigorous training and determined faith; we are to breathe deeply of the spiritual atmosphere of heavenly realms; we are to drink from the fountain of God's Word; we must be shod with the gospel of peace. The heavenly spectators are cheering us on to victory, and we must resolve, by God's help to win the crown of victory. But we can also liken the tide of human events and the worldwide gospel outreach to a historical race. The starting gun was fired at the cross when the blood from the side of Christ, the second Adam, created the church which is His bride, the second Eve. We see in the first turn the surge of energy from the Pentecostal experience of the early apostolic church; we see the tribulations of the Dark Ages in the backstretch. We see the awakening of the reformation in the far turn, The final sprint has begun in the tremendously fast spread of the gospel via TV and radio in the present-day gospel outreach. The finish line is in sight as we approach the homestretch of human history. We see Jesus at the finish with a crown of victory for those who have persevered and endured. The goal of salvation is just ahead The signs all foretell and world conditions indicate that we are "turning for home."
