Bro. Abduyusuf Rufa'i
When in Jigawa State,
northern Nigeria for official duties in October 2012 I read a book entitled ''Do Not Glory Yet'' by Pastor Abraham Yakubu. The book was
poignant – it shook me, and made me sad and joyful. It was mixed feelings for
me but then it gave me lasting perspectives of God, and my Christian journey
and walk with my benefactor. The accounts in the book are translated revelations
of the death experience of the author. It was after reading this book that I received
the inspiration to put this message together: ''How To Make It To Heaven.'' In Pastor Abraham's book he mentioned
15 Judgement Halls that he and others went through. They are the Halls
of:
1.
Salvation
2.
Restitution
3.
Forgiveness
4.
Giving
5.
Works
6.
Vain words
7.
Accountability
8.
Separation
9.
Commitment
10.
Self sacrifice
11.
Worldliness
12.
Unbelief and Fear
13.
Fruit of the Spirit
14.
Holiness
15. Children
He said at the
first gate to his left there was a gate leading straight to Hell and many
people who died like him went straight into Hell – the number was uncountable. While he went through the gate to his right
until with great trepidation he passed through all the 15 gates before finally
entering into heaven. He also said where ever any one failed at any of the
gates a force will hurl the person into Hell with a powerful voice resounding
D-E-P-A-R-T. Pastor Abraham also said some were thrown into Hell at the last
gate or hall. So I drew my conclusions:
A.
Pastor Abraham enjoyed tremendous mercy and grace from God.
B.
God gave him that experience in order for us to know what happens
after death to none born again Christians or born again Christians who fail,
that is, die in sin or went back to their old ways and died in that state or sinned
and failed to confess their sins to God and avail themselves of the blood of
Jesus before death met them.
C.
I observed that it was only Pastor Abraham Yakubu and the woman whom
he said Jesus appeared to physically and took away that made it to heaven because
before she died she was asking Jesus for mercy.
D.
Jesus said in John 5: 24 that “the
true child of His does not come into judgement but has passed from death into
life.” Hebrew 9: 25
says, ‘‘after death comes judgement.” This judgement is for the unbeliever or the
disobedient Christian and not for a faithful child of God who endured to the
end.
The Father, the
creator of everything and the owner of everything was determined to save
mankind from destruction and the mess it found itself. Satan succeeded in
getting Adam and his wife, Eve to be like him – a sinner and thus Adam and his
wife plunged the rest of mankind into perpetual misery, hopelessness and death
which is eternal separation from our benefactor, creator and Father. God was determined to save the world and so He set His seal on Jesus,
His only begotten Son because Jesus was the word with God in the beginning that
became flesh and dwelt among men. God said concerning His Son, ''This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased,
listen to Him.” Meaning, ''I have sent Him and everything you need to know is with
Him, just listen to Him and do what He says for your well being here and in the
hereafter.'' Jesus said concerning the Father, ''I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes
to the Father, except by me.” Meaning, ''If you are looking for the truth, it is in me, if you are
looking for the way of escape, I am the one and if you are looking for eternal
life it is in me. Have no scruples about it I am the way to the Father as
determined by Him. The salvation that you desperately need is in me and no
other.'' You see, what Jesus did, leaving heaven and coming to die as a
sacrifice for dirty, impure, wicked, sinning and death carrying men was no
trifle. None of God's strong angels was willing to risk this venture. Not even
any of the Cherubim or Seraphim was willing. Apart from that, they were not fit
for the assignment. Only God through Jesus was fit and could satisfy the demand
for man's redemption. Moreover man was fashioned by Him in His image and
likeness. Man was God's carbon copy and a greatly loved masterpiece. You see, man is an eternal being; your lifetime on earth is a venture
outside eternal realm. When you vacate this earth you enter back into eternal realm.
The truth is that the decisions you make or fail to make and how you live your
life is a big determining factor on how the rest of your life on the other side
goes. While you are on earth two beings struggle for your attention and soul –
God and Satan. There is also the force of Good and Evil controlling the world.
You eventually have to serve either one of them; and there is no sitting on the
fence.
Jesus said, ‘‘I have come into the world that you may have life more
abundantly.” John 10: 10.
This life goes beyond the physical life of say at most 120 years. It is eternal
life in the Kingdom of God – existence in unspeakable joy and bliss without
ending – forever.
I.
To have eternal life and live with God forever in bliss you must make
a choice of Jesus. You must surrender your life and being to Him; and make Him
your new leader and governor. You must walk with Him consistently.
II.
Afterwards, you must live for Him, follow Him, obey Him and follow in
His footsteps. Do the things Jesus did or live the kind of life He lived when
He walked the face of this earth. Jesus is our example.
16 Examples
of Jesus You Must Follow (1 Peter 2: 21, Mathew 11: 29):
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also
suffered for you, leaving you AN EXAMPLE, that you should follow in his steps” 1 Peter 2: 21.
“Take my yoke upon you, and LEARN FROM ME; for I am
gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” Matthew 11: 29.
Let's see the
things Jesus did or deliberately avoided not to do:
1.
Jesus got baptized
by being immersed in water. If Jesus did it then you should without delay.
By your baptism you announce to all the worlds (seen and unseen, known and
unknown) your new status and stand.
2.
Jesus was filled
with the Holy Ghost and was taught and led by Him. If Jesus had this
experience then you should without delay. The power to live above sin and Satan
– the overcoming life is in the Holy Ghost.
Notes: the only reason
not to have the two experiences above is if you are dying or to be killed
immediately after deciding for Jesus like the thief on the cross beside Jesus
whom Jesus said, ''Today you will be with
me in paradise.'' If you are not in such shoes then for your salvation to be complete
and genuine you must seek them without delay.
3.
Jesus lived a
sinless life. He shunned evil and His life was devoid of sin and unrighteousness.
If Jesus lived such a life you too should without a shadow of doubt.
4.
Jesus spread the
good news (of how God has made a way of escape for man and made available
eternal life through Him to mankind) at every given opportunity. Teach, preach and
share the Good News of salvation and the Kingdom of God. If Jesus did it you too
should.
5.
Jesus studied and
meditated on God's word regularly. At age twelve He showed His dexterity and
understanding of God's word as He reasoned with scribes old enough to be his
father. Know God's word, love them and obey them.
6.
Jesus said what He
meant and meant what He said. Be serious, steadfast and forthright; don’t be
a hypocrite, men pleaser or a sycophant. This should be your ways and let
people know you for that.
7.
Jesus was a good
communicator and pure in heart. Let your words be true, pure and edifying. Avoid
vain and vulgar words because they lead to judgement and Hell.
8.
Jesus was a giver
par excellent. He gave His life for us; He gave miracles and healings to those in
need. You should give at every God provided opportunity from your resources,
your time and yourself. Be selfless and sacrificial.
9.
Jesus always talked
with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Be prayerful! Prayer is not limited to making
request. Commune with God, tell Him your worries, fears, challenges,
difficulties, joy, hopes and aspirations; tell Him everything including about
your spouse, children, families,
friends, colleagues, your job etc. Be plain with Him.
10.
Jesus was merciful. You too should.
Be merciful to others even when they hurt, spite you or don't deserve it. Never
pay tit for tat. Be a person who forgives upfront. Forgive all including your
spouse, children, neighbour, colleagues, friends etc. Never keep a grudge or be bitter
towards others. Your forgiveness from God is hinged on this.
11.
Jesus was kind and
hospitable. You too
should. Be a considerate person; be open-minded and benevolent to all who come
your way. Remember the 'Good Samaritan.'
12.
Jesus was
compassionate. From His heart of compassion He healed many, cast out devils and did
many signs. You too should, even if you can't cast out devils (though you
should) or give eyes to the blind; you should at least do well and be good everywhere
you go.
13.
Jesus always assembled
with fellow brethren. You too should. Always go to church to learn, to worship, to sing,
to pray, to have communion, to break bread together (love feast). Remember
Church is an assembly or gathering of at least two and not necessarily a
building.
14.
Jesus lived a separated
and holy life. You too should. God does not compromise this. Avoid worldliness
because it would lead you to sin, compromise you and take away your heart from God.
God will only use the separated. Remember His warning ''touch not the unclean thing and come out from them.'' This is where many Christians fail. They want to be friends of the world
and at the same time friends of God. This is not possible. You can’t love
Mammon and love God; you can’t serve the devil and serve God. You must choose
one. Worldliness will pitch you against God and make you His enemy. Worldliness
will show in your behaviour, character, the way you talk, the things you like,
the friends you keep, the places you go, the way you dress and what you place
premium on. Through worldliness Satan controls you.
15.
Jesus loved all men
but never trusted them. You too should. Love your neighbour. Who is your neighbour? Your neighbour is your fellow man but never
put your trust or hopes in man. Man is unreliable and subject to the vagaries
of life. The Bible records, ''Jesus never
gave Himself to men because He knew what is in men.''
16.
Jesus loved all
children. In fact,
He said, ''the Kingdom of God is like unto
children.'' He rebuked
angrily His disciples who prevented parents from bringing their children to
Him. He laid His hands on the children and blessed them. You can benefit a lot
from children because their angels always stand before God – they enjoy open
heavens constantly. So love and care for children like Jesus.
If you follow the
footsteps of Jesus, the Christ as enumerated above and live the life espoused
above; when you die you will enter heaven or if Jesus returns now for us as He
promised us you will go to heaven. So, whether you die or are ‘raptured’ you
will enter into heaven, see God and be with Him forever. You will also live an
overcoming and fulfilling life on earth.
Keep the Flag
flying and the Oil burning! Maran'atha.
Ambassador R. A. Y.
