I missed an opportunity to share the gospel with a friend. I later became terrified as he lay desperately ill with no understanding about when death calls. I wasn’t terrified that he might die; my terror was that he might slip away, having never heard the good news gospel of Jesus Christ. So, I began to write.

Dear Brother,

When death calls, it changes everything. When we are young, we think we will live forever. Time has a way of pouring on reality. It’s like a child spreading peanut butter, he gets it on everything. As you face this difficult time, we have been praying for you, and we praise God for his mercies.

When we were down last spring, I wanted to share something with you, but there never seemed to be the right time. The time seems right now, so I would like to share a story.

Almost two years ago, the local bishop and stake president stopped by and asked me to return to the church. I think I surprised them when I readily agreed. However, I told them I would need one thing first. Looking the stake president in the eye, I asked, where will you go when you die, when death calls? He answered, “I don’t know, I have to wait for the judgment“.

His answer seemed strange, so I opened my bible to 1 John 5:13 and began to read. This passage was written by John as a very seasoned and senior apostle. He assures us that we can know, present tense, that we have eternal life. I continued, “If this is my last breath”, I took and released a deep breath, “my next will be with God”.

I told these men that they can rebaptize me if they provide an equal or better assurance from Mormon scripture. They seemed pleased and assured me, “that will not be a problem”. I cautioned them that any assurance they bring will be rejected if it can be contradicted by other equally binding Mormon scripture or doctrine. After all, God is not a God of confusion. They seemed troubled and asked for a week to prepare.

Six months later, I knocked on each man’s door. When they answered, I assured them that I am still willing and waiting. Two years later, their silence tells me all I need to know.

I have an absolute and certain assurance of my total salvation when death calls. That may sound arrogant, but my confidence is bolstered by patterns of evidence established by John and other biblical writers. This means that when death calls, my assurance comes directly from God.

I would love to tell you more, but that is up to you. I will respect your wishes either way. Grace and I published a book about our rescue and redemption. If you send your mailing address, I will rush a copy to you. Grace and I will continue in prayer for your healing and comfort for your wife.

God bless my friend.